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THE COUNTY FAIR. 


By NEIL BURGESS. 

Written from the celebrated play now 
running its second continuous season in 
New York, and booked to run a third s«a- 
son in the same theater. 

The scenes are among the New Hamp- 
shire hills, and picture the bright side of 
country life. The story is full of amusing 
events and happy incidents, something 
after the style of our “Old Homestead,” 
which is having such an enormous sale. 

‘<THE COUNTY FAIR” will be one J 
of the great hits of the season, and should' 
you fail to secure a copy you will miss a 
p'f literary treat. It is a spirited romance of 
town and country, and a faithful repro- 
duction of the drama, w ith the same unique 
characters, the same graphic scenes, but 
with the narrative more artistically rounded, and completed than was 
possible in the brief limits of a dramatic representation. This touch- 
ing story effectively demonstrates that it is possible to produce a novel 
which is at once wholesome and interesting in every part, without the 
introduction of an impure thought or suggestion. Read the following 



OPINIONS OF THE PRESS: 

Mr. Nell Bur(?ess has rewritten his play, “The County Fair,” in story form. It 
rounds out a narrative which is comparatively but sketched in the play. It only needs 
the first sentence to set g^oinj-r the memory and imagination of those who have seen the 
latter and whet the appetite for the rest of this lively conception of a live dramatist.— 
Brooklyn Daily Eagle. 

As “The County Fair” threatens to remain in New York for a long time the general 
public out of town may be glad to learn that the playwright has put the piece into print 
in the form of a story. A tale baaed upon a play may sometimes lack certain literary 
qualities, but it never is the sort of thing over which any one can fall asleep. For- 
tunately, “The County Fair” on the stage and in print is by the same author, so there 
can be no reason for fearing that the book misses any of the points of the drama which 
has been so successful — .Y. T. Herald. 

The idea of turning successful plays into novels seems to be getting popular.' The 
latest book of this description is a story reproducing the action and incidents of Neil 
Burgess’ play, “The County Fair.” 'rhe tale, which is a romance based on scenes of 
home life and domestic joys and sorrows, folio w’S closely the lines of the drama in 
story and v\oi.— Chicago Daily Xeivs. 

Mr. Burgess’ amusing play, “The County Fair.” has been received with such favor 
that he has worked it over and expanded it into a novel of more than 200 pages. It ■svill 
be enjoyed even ^ those who have never heard the play and still more by those who 
liaye.—Cirji'i.nati Times-Star. 

This touching story effectively demonstrates that it is possible to produce a novel 
which is at once wholesome and interesting in every part, without the introduction of 
an impure thought or suggestion.—.! lhan Press. 

Street & Smith have issued “The County Fair.” This is a faithful reproduction of 
the drama of that name and is an affeeting and vivid story of domestic life, joy and 
sorrow, and rural scenes.— A’an Francisco Call. 

This romance is written from the play of this name and is full of touching incidenta 
—Ecansville Jo^iimnl. 

It is founded on the popular play of the same name, in which Neil Burgess, who la 
also the author of the storj’, nao achieved the dramatic success of the season.— i^aU 
River Herald. 


Tlio Ooia.xr-t'v Is No. 33 of “The Select Series,” for 

sale by all Newndealers, or will he sent, on receipt of price, 25 cents, to any 
address, postpaiv . by STBEET Jt SMITH, Publishers, 25-Sl Bose st., XOw Yoii S 


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THE SECRET SERVICE SERIES— NO. 39. 

Issiied. IMoiitlily. 

DETOTED TO STOPJES OF THE HETECTIOX OF CRIME. 

Subscription Price, $3 Per Year. JANUARY, 1891. 

Coyyrighted 1890, hy Street <& Smith. 

Entered at the Post-Office, New York, as Second-Class Matter. 



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THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


CHAPTER I. 

OFF FOR CHICAGO ON THE LIMITED. 

A loud knock upon the door of my bachelor apart- 
ment arouses me from a sound slumber, and opening 
my eyes I see by the little cricket clock on the 
mantel that the hour lacks but a few minutes of 
eight. Having been out on some important busi- 
ness during the better part of the past night, and 
with a smaller measure of success than I might 
wish, I am not in the best of humor upon finding 
my rest disturbed ; but business is business, and I 
have learned long ago how to make the most of a 
bad bargain. 

The rap sounds again, this time accompanied by 
the sharp, rasping voice of my landlady — which I 
am sure would arouse the Seven Sleepers. 

‘‘ Mr. Craig ! Are you dead or alive in there ?” 

‘‘What’s all this row about, Susan?” I grumble, 
digging my knuckles into my eyes, the better to 
disperse the cohorts of the drowsy god. 

“A note from the office for you, sir,” 


6 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

“Ah! who brought it?” arousing myself, well 
knowing that this meant business. 

“Jackson, sir— he said as how it was very im- 
portant, and I must get you up at once.” 

“Confound Jackson,” I mutter, yawning, and 
then call out aloud, “slip it under the door, there’s 
a good woman, and have me a cup of coffee and an 
egg in five minutes, please. There’s no telling 
when I may get anything to eat if the colonel has 
any special business ahead.” 

“All right, sir. Hurry down,” calls the good old 
soul, and I hear her shuffling to the lower regions of 
the small house, at imminent risk to life and limb. 

The note that has been thrust under the door is 
speedily in my hands and opened, 

“ Come to the office immediately. A big case de- 
mands attention. Minutes precious. A.” 

It is just like the colonel — brief and to the point, 
yet containing a promise of great things. The le- 
gions of sleep have been thoroughly routed, and I 
am wide awake now. With a rapidity acquired by 
long practice, I don my garments, dash some water 
into my face, and the stipulated five minutes have 
hardly passed ere I descend the stairs. 

Susan can be relied on every time, and I find my 
eggs and coffee ready. Making a quick breakfast, 
I leave the house. 

The office being only a few blocks away, I find 
myself in the presence of my employer. Colonel 
Acton, at just twenty minutes after eight. He 
smiles upon seeing me, and rubs his hands in a way 
peculiar to himself when pleased. 

“ Mr. Craig, how long will it take you to prepare 
for a journey?” he asks, 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEBY. t 

“ That depends where my destination is— if Cali- 
fornia or Europe, less than half an hour, but' if you 
want me to travel to the other world, I should want 
forty odd years to get ready in.” 

“ The half-hour will do in this case, Craig. I have 
already telegraphed to secure you a berth in the 
Chicago Limited Vestibule express which leaves 
at 10 A. M.” 

“Then Chicago is my goal, colonel?” I ask. 

“ That depends pretty much on circumstances and 
yourself, Mr. Craig. It may be but one of your 
stopping-places on a trip around the world,” he re- 
plies, with a smile, at which I shrug my shoulders 
unconcernedly. 

“ I have gone globe-trotting with only a valise at 
my side before now, and I suppose I could do it 
again. Will you give me the directions?” 

He hands me an envelope. 

“You will find them written out in that. Here is 
a roll of bills for current expenses. Keep a strict 
account of expenditures, and if you need more draw 
on me. This case is of the greatest importance, 
and if success can be obtained, it will be a big 
amount in your pocket, I give you my word, Mr. 
Craig.” 

“Good. That is what I like. It is worth while 
devoting one’s whole energies to the business. 
How about that Livingston affair, sir?” 

“That is still open, I believe?” 

“I am sorry to say it is, colonel.” 

He looks at me reflectively for a moment, smooth- 
ing his chin meanwhile, with a measured move- 
ment, as though this action has something to do 
with stirring up his thought. 

“I was tempted to go on this case myself, Mr. 


8 


THE Vestibule limited mystEbV. 


Craig, but decided to hand it over to you. Let all 
other matters be subservient to the one in hand. 
Wire me if anything unusual turns up, and do your 
level best for success.” 

The clock strikes the half-hour, and I rise. 

“I will lose no time in getting away, then. What 
name have you given them in reserving a seat in 
the sleeper?” 

“Your old favorite — Hezekiah Broadbrim.” 

“Thanks. That suits me to a dot.” 

Then I shake hands with the colonel, who wishes 
me all manner of luck, and presently I am hurrying 
along back to my den again, to make ready for the 
trip. This is not an unusual event in my life. I 
am prepared to sail for Europe on half an hour’s 
notice, and on one occasion started on a voyage 
that took me around the world, with only fifty 
minutes warning. 

I am glad the colonel desires me to assume the 
disguise of a Quaker, for it is really my best char- 
acter, and I never fear discovery while carrying 
out that role. Everything is at hand, and 1 am an 
adept at the work, so that before nine o’clock 
Duncan Craig has entirely lost his identity, and 
Hezekiah Broadbrim comes upon the scene, in 
sober drab garments of a peculiar cut, a wide- 
brimmed hat of the well-known build, and a pious 
face that seems to be continually shocked over the 
universal depravity of a sinful world, as seen 
through a pair of plain glass spectacles. 

My valise contains a number of things that I 
imagine may turn out useful upon such an excur- 
sion. When I pick it up, bid my good landlady 
farewell, and sally forth, it is just twenty minutes 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEKY. 


after nine, with plenty of time to reach the ferry- 
house long before the hour set for starting. 

A dozen times I am beset by boys who desire to 
carry my valise, and in despair I finally hand it 
over to one fellow, with orders to stick at my side. 

Just as I expected, crossing Broadway I am met 
by a bunco man with outstretched hand, and a smile 
that is child-like and bland. 

“Well, well, can this be my old friend, Josiah 
Bland, of Philadelphia?” he asks. 

I seize his hand and give it a squeeze that almost 
dislocates the small bones, and causes a look of 
intense agony to spread over his face. 

“Yea, verily, that is my name, and the City of 
Brotherly Love my habitation. Thee is Mr. Larkin, 
the bank president’s son or nephew, I forget which ; 
but I have been looking for thee some time now. 
What a boon it is to have a friend in such a wicked 
city. I say, Joe, lend me ten, that’s a good fellow!” 

The man’s eyes almost bulge from their sockets 
with surprise. 

“Great Scott!” he ejaculates, giving me a look of 
amazed wonder, and then withouir even an apology 
for his rudeness, the renowned bunco steerer. 
Hungry Joe, makes a bee-line for the Astor House, 
as though he has suddenly remembered a very im- 
portant engagement there. 

I chuckle over his disaster and continue on my 
way. Evidently victims are scarce on this occasion, 
for hardly have I reached Cortlandt street, to turn 
toward the North River, than another rascal stops 
me. 

This time he is in appearance a missionary, with 
a long, sanctimonious face, and the garb of piety. 
He meets me with open arms— his whole warm 


10 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

heart is in his face— he looks as though he would 
like to embrace me, but I meet his eye, and hold 
him enthralled by the power of my gaze, while I 
ejaculate: 

“Scat! you disreputable villain!” 

It takes all the ambition out of him, just as a hot 
day wilts the stiff est standing collar. 

He gives me one look of horror that causes me 
much amusement to remember, murmurs some- 
thing about a dreadful mistake, and not being able 
to see well without his glasses, after which he 
scuttles up Church street in si^^way that suggests a 
sudden fear of arrest. 

I have never known the rascals to be so thick ; 
but my disguise is good, and proves irresistible to 
the average bunco man. They are generally cun- 
ning chaps, too, and capable of seeing any make- 
up in their intended prey. 

This time I am allowed to reach the ferry in 
peace, but a fellow follows me, as if he scented 
game. I recognize him and give the officer at the 
crossing a few words of warning, so that when the 
chap comes along he orders him away gruffiy. 

Once inside the ferry-house I take my satchel 
from the boy, and discharge him. 

It is just twenty minutes of ten, so I have plenty 
of time to spare. I buy some fruit to eat on the 
journey, and cross over the river on the first boat. 
The day is a fair one and gives promise of making 
a pleasant affair of the trip ; but it matters little 
what the weather is to one snugly ensconced in the 
Vestibule Limited express — save for the danger of 
delays from washouts, should the rain be very 
heavy. 

I never miss an opportunity to study those around 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEBY. 


11 


me, and mentally decide what manner of persons 
they are, whither bound, and upon what sort of 
mission. 

Long experience, and a capacity for reading the 
human countenance, renders one pretty expert at 
this sort of business — in fact, I am able to hit the 
mark under ordinary circumstances two times out 
of three. 

It is a species of amusement that grows upon 
one, especially if traveling daily upon some of the 
great ferry-boats near New York, or using the 
elevated roads frequently. 

Many a dull hour have I passed away in this 
manner, and profitably, too, for it keeps your wits 
sharpened, and increases your fund of knowledge 
concerning the odd fancies of your fellow-men. 

There are some strange characters upon the 
Pennsylvania ferry-boat on this morning in ques- 
tion, and I manage to amuse myself in studying 
them as we speed toward the Jersey side of the 
noble Hudson. No doubt I myself am set down in 
the same category by the ordinary every-day pas- 
sengers, but Quakers are seen too often to cause 
much comment, especially pn a Philadelphia line. 

I proceed to the ticket-office as soon as we land, 
and find that a seat and berth have been kept for 
one Hezekiah Broadbrim, for Chicago. 

Having secured my ticket, berth check and extra 
fare ticket, I am ready to board the train. Very 
naturally the strange business about to engross my 
attention, though as yet unknown to me, possesses 
a great attraction. I am anxious to learn what it 
may prove to be. 

All must come in good time — when I am comfort- 
ably settled in my seat, and rolling out of the city, 


12 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

it will be in order for me to take hold of the letter 
of instructions handed me by Colonel Acton, and 
ascertain just what sort of game I am to play on 
the Limited Vestibule express, ere reaching 
Chicago. 

One or two of the passengers are already seated 
in the Pullman sleeping-car to which I am assigned 
by reason of my check. As many more have come 
over on the same boat with myself and the others 
will arrive on the next one. 

I settle myself comfortably and prepare to study 
my fellow-travelers. They promise to give me 
much pleasure in the analysis, too, being an un- 
common lot of people. 

The last boat enters the slip, there is a rush of 
people — our car receives its last additions, and the 
starting time comes—all full but one berth. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


13 


CHAPTER II. 

MY FELLOW-PASSENGERS. 

A bell clangs. 

“All aboard !” calls an official outside. ^ 

Hurried adieus are said, and those not going, 
leave the train. A signal is given, and we begin to 
move, passing through the streets of Jersey City, 
and heading for the cut in the Bergen hills. 

In a very brief time the Limited is making good 
time over the meadows beyond the Hackensack 
River. The passengers in our car have by this time 
managed to get seated in their respective places, 
and presently the conductor will be going his 
rounds to see that each has the proper seat called 
for by check. 

It is time for me to open Acton’s letter of instruc- 
tions, and find out what I am to do. So I spread it 
before me in such a way that no other eyes can 
catch a word. 

He has written it hurriedly, probably in the time" 
which elapsed between sending Jackson to call 
me, and my appearance at the office ; but I am used 
to his ways, and can generally supply anything 
that is missing. 

-Verbatim, my letter of instructions reads: 

“In the same car with you, I believe, at any rate 
on the Limited Vestibule express, you will discover 
several parties whom you are to watch closely. I 
will describe them. One seems to be a man of 
forty-five ; a handsome, dashing fellow, with an eye 


14 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


that few ladies can resist ; he has a gray mustache 
and small side-whiskers. This man is Colonel Larz 
Andrews. 

“ Accompanying him is a woman who persists in 
keeping her face vailed, and yet, if you chance to 
get a glimpse of her countenance, you will find it 
strikingly beautiful. 

“Watch this couple — discover all you can about 
them, for the secret of your journey is wrapped up 
in their movements. There is a third party near 
by — keep your eye out for him. I do not know in 
what character he will appear, but you will dis- 
cover him through his anxiety about this pair — he 
is apt to watch them like a hawk. 

“Now to explain the matter as well as it can be 
done just at present. This man is on a big lay; he 
is planning to get hold of a million at least. The 
woman is his confederate, and is known in England 
as the most successful confidence woman of the 
day, although hardly more than a girl in years. 
Her real name is Ann Keilly, but she long ago dis- 
carded that, and uses one more fancy. I don’t 
know what it will be this time. 

“Watch this couple. Before long you will get on 
to their dodge. They travel as father and daughter, 
he a retired English officer. The game will begin 
under your eyes ; when you see what they are up to 
you will comprehend what you are to do. If you 
are puzzled, wire me while e?i route, and I will 
answer at Harrisburgh, Altoona, or Pittsburgh ; but 
I trust the game to your good judgment.” 

That is all. 

I turn the paper over and look at the back, but 
not another scrap of writing meets my eyes. Eeally, 
this surprises me. It is not like the colonel to give 
such vague instructions. I am all in a fog with re- 
gard to what I have to do, and must trust to my 
good sense, just as if by accident I had discovered 
that this couple must be playing some game which 
curiosity prompts me to investigate. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


15 


Why has not my employer given me fuller par- 
ticulars? It would have been easy for him to have 
stated in so many words what the strange game of 
these confidence people might be, and have saved 
me some guessing. Does he intend to give me an 
opportunity to indulge in my favorite study? The 
colonel knows me well, and can depend upon Dun- 
can Craig every time, but that does not wholly ex- 
plain his omission — perhaps it was unintentional ; 
he may have meant to tell me all, and J have a half 
idea I will get a telegram ahead in our regular 
cipher. 

If not, then he means that I am to be thrown on 
my own resources. This may tickle my professional 
vanity but it makes my task all the harder, and 
I do not thank my employer. 

As I replace the note in my pocket, I glance 
around the Pullman in search of the couple thus 
described. Jove ! they are just opposite my seat, 
as luck will have it. Without appearing to take 
any particular notice of them, I rapidly scan both 
parties. 

The man is indeed a dashing-looking fellow, 
though his face, to my keen observation, shows 
slight signs of dissipation. , I realize at once that 
this fellow is a shrewd schemer, and when playing 
for a million, as the colonel has expressed it, he 
will be a hard one to beat. 

As for his companion, I am unable to determine 
her character, for she keeps her face vailed. So 
scrupulously does she stick to this that the other 
passengers must believe she is either very ugly, or 
else following out the requirements of a vow. I 
know the truth will prove both suppositions wrong. 

Her figure is a charming one, and I can well im- 


16 the VESTIBULE LIMITED 

agine that if her face matches it, the girl must be a 
charmer indeed. 

She will raise that plagued vail after a while, and 
give me a chance to see her face. Meanwhile I 
observe the young man with whom she converses. 

He is good-looking, intellectual, and has the ap- 
pearance of a man accustomed to wealth. I have 
seen him somewhere, that I am sure of as soon as 
my eyes fall on his face, and I set my brains to 
work, endeavoring to remember just where, as 
Colonel Acton has not seen fit to mention even his 
name. 

One thing is evident— this man is head over ears 
in. love with the vailed woman. I can see that with 
one eye closed, for his actions declare him insnared 
by her spell. 

I fall to moralizing, and remember how the 
strongest men I have known, able to resist all ordi- 
nary temptations, have fallen at length in the snare 
set by some siren. It seems that man’s best friend 
and worst enemy in this strange world of ours is— 
woman. 

Then I smile complacently as I refiect that I have 
been above the common run, since I have reached 
the age of forty and never compromised myself as 
yet in a love scrape. Ho matter how lovely the face 
might be, Duncan Craig has been able to sneer at 
the fancy, and^ devote himself strictly to business. 
I would not have the reader believe me an ogre — I 
know lots of happy benedicts and envy them their 
lot, but have long since made up my mind that fate 
never intended me for such a state. 

Perhaps my time may yet come, I admit, while 
sitting there watching the couple opposite by means 
of the small mirror between the windows in my 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEBY. 


17 


section — who knows? Forty is an age of reason to 
be sure, but they tell me reason is no match for 
Cupid, and I am fain to believe it, judging from the 
many odd things I have witnessed in times past. 

Suddenly, I remember that as yet I have made no 
etfort to discover the other party who is supposed 
to be watching these people. I glance around the 
car to see if I can pick him out immediately, but, 
passing from one traveler to another, I fail to do so. 

I recognize a well-known manager and dramatic 
writer, whose plays have been a great success. In 
his company is an actor, also well known as a 
delineator of peculiar people. They occupy section 
one. 

Then I see a commercial traveler — how easy it is 
to distinugish him from the common herd. He 
looks as though he owns the earth. 1 afterward 
learn that he is a New York business man, bound 
to Chicago, perhaps to attend some important meet- 
ing. Opposite him is a woman attired as a nun. 
She sits there almost motionless, and no doubt en- 
grossed with serious thoughts. 

Farther on are the trio I am watching, the young 
man having a seat vis-a-vis with myself, when in it. 
As I turn and pass down the aisle to get a drink of 
water, while the train shoots through Newark, I 
take in the balance of my fellow-passengers. 

Just back of me, in six, are two ladies and a 
gentleman, whom I set down as belonging to the 
upper ten of Chicago. Scraps of their talk having 
already reached my ears gives me this impression 
even before I see them. 

Then in section five, across from them are a num- 
ber of valines, the Qwne4’s of which are either in the 


18 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY: 

smoking compartment or else visiting some friend 
in one of the other sleepers. 

This leaves two sections. 

Number seven is occupied by a queer old gent 
whom I take to be a musician, for he has a violin 
done up in a case, and handles it now and then as 
carefully as though it were a baby. There is some- 
thing about his eyes that tells me I have seen him 
before. I know Ovid Musin and several other fine 
violinists, but cannot place this singular old gent 
with the long white locks. However, I mark him 
down as the Professor. Opposite to him' sits a man 
whose dress is rather loud. I know he is the owner 
of fast horses, and perhaps a race-track gambler. 
At any rate he travels in style, and throws his 
money around recklessly. 

In the last section, I find a quiet-looking woman, 
who seems to be of foreign blood. I mark her 
down as some one’s attendant — a sort of companion, 
but for the life of me fail to discover how this can 
be, as the other seat of the section is occupied by a 
Jewish gentleman who looks as though he might be 
a Rabbi. 

Passing beyond the drawing-room and smokers’ 
compartment, I get a drink of ice- water. A couple 
of gentlemen are smoking, and I take it they belong 
to the valises, or the latter do to them — in section 
five. 

Having thus made my inventory of the car, I am 
puzzled to decide who it is my employer declares is 
watching the trio opposite my seat. This can only 
be found out by careful scrutiny, and I' will have 
plenty of time to look into the matter as the train 
speeds onward. As yet, the only one I suspicion is 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 19 

the old Professor, and I mean to keep an eye on 
him. 

Here is a strange game being played, and I must 
puzzle out the truth. What do these two confidence 
people mean to do with the rich young man? I 
remember him now as Robert Hammond, of New 
York, as bright a figure in politics and society as 
the metropolis can boast, and I am doubly aston- 
ished to see him in the toils. 

The two gentlemen in the smoking compartment- 
are Englishmen, who have come out for sport, and 
seem to be on their way to the North-west with that 
purpose in view. 

Business necessitated their being in New York 
and Chicago, which accounts for their taking this 
route in preference to the Canadian Pacific. 

I hear them telling this to the Pullman car con- 
ductor who sits with them. 

Again 1 pass to my seat to pick up more informa- 
tion concerning the strange game. I remember 
Colonel Acton declaring that it rests entirely with 
me whether the matter is finished at Chicago, or 
the journey indefinitely prolonged ; and I am sure 
that unless I diligently set to work it will be another 
globe-trotting tour. 

I cannot hear what those across from me are say- 
ing, but the young man seems to be begging a 
favor. The girl glances around through her vail ; 
my head is turned aside, but I can see by means of 
the mirror. 

She raises her vail a minute and gives her victim 
a ravishing smile that leaves him colorless with 
emotion. I can hardly blame the poor devil for 
making a fool of himself — that face is the most 
wonderful I have ever laid eyes on. 


20 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEEY. 


CHAPTER III. 

IN THE TOILS OF THE SIREN, 

The vail falls again, and I draw a long breath. 
If Larz Andrews plays such trump cards as this 
beauty, I do not wonder at his success. Robert 
Hammond is her slave— he will follow her almost 
to death. I see him endeavor to > touch her hand 
now and then ; she plays her part to perfection, and 
excites his passion in a dozen little ways known to. 
her sex. 

The pretended father is deeply interested in a 
novel, and pays no attention to the young couple. 
He knows he can trust the girl to do what he 
wishes. 

By the merest chance in the world I look in the 
mirror at the end of the car, which reflects every- 
thing back of me. The quiet, dark-faced woman 
whom I have set down as some one’s companion, 
has partly risen from her seat. I see her make a 
few rapid movements with her hands, not unlike 
the letters of the deaf and dumb alphabet, and 
wondering to whom she can be signaling, cast my 
eyes down the aisle until they rest upon — the nun. 

Ah! I understand now. Whether the person 
wearing that sober garb is a genuine nun or not, 
she is evidently the party my employer meant when 
he said I would discover some one else watching the 
game. 

It grows more interesting. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


21 


I endeavor to make up my mind whether this 
nun’s garb may not be assumed for the occasion. 
Who is the woman wearing it? What connection 
does she bear toward the adventuress? She has a 
maid with her ; this fact does much to make her 
out a counterfeit in my mind. 

Perhaps it is Hammond she spies upon — she may 
be some cast-off love of his, seeking revenge ; or a 
sister, devoted to his interests, and desirous of 
saving him from the doom to which the rich young 
man is drifting. 

That I must find out as time passes. 

Then, I go over the list of passengers once more, 
and find my interest resting on the quaint Professor 
again. He is watching these people too ; well, that 
is not so odd, if I can believe he has had a glimpse 
of the girl’s face, which may be the case. 

The steady motion of the fast train makes travel- 
ing a pleasure, and not a stop will be effected until 
we draw into Philadelphia, after a run of some 
ninety miles. 

Will my employer wire me there? he may have 
realized how indefinite his instructions must have 
been, and concluded to let me deeper into the 
matter. Already I have reached what is probably 
the real truth — that some one has hired him to save 
Robert Hammond from his fate. 

When a man is dead set upon such a thing— head 
over ears in love, dazed, enslaved, charmed by such 
an adorable creature as the girl with whom he is 
seated, it must prove a Herculean task to save him 
against his will. I do not shrink from it, but at the 
same time understand full well the difficulties in 
the way. 

Ah I a thought flashes into my mind ; at first I 


22 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEKV. 

have supposed it is the young man’s father who is 
back of my employer, but the idea occurs to me 
that this same woman dressed as a nun may have 
something to do with the matter. 

Acton has told me there is a million at stake, and 
if such is the case, these confidence people will 
naturally exert themselves as never before — it will 
be the supreme effort of their lives. 

As the victim is blinded and dazzled by the 
glamour that is upon him, he may naturally be ex- 
pected to side with his enemies, unless his eyes are 
opened by some astonishing process, so that he may 
see the truth exactly as it appears. 

Philadelphia is reached after twelve o’clock. 

The one seat vacant in our car, opposite the two 
English sportsmen, is occupied here by a thin-faced 
woman with corkscrew curls, whom I take to be an 
old maid. A glance at her traveling satchel reveals 
the fact that she is the principal of a young ladies’ 
academy out in Illinois. I consider her my beau 
ideal of a school marm — prim, sagacious, and stern. 

Again the Vestibule Limited starts out, now to 
head for Harrisburgh upon the Susquehanna, and 
through the gates of the river into the heart of the 
Alleghenies. 

Young Hammond comes over to his seat and 
opens his satchel to get something out. I notice 
that he seems very unlike a hian in his proper 
senses, and wonder whether these plotters have 
drugged him in any way. It may be only the stag- 
gering effects of his fascination that I witness; but 
I never saw a plainer case of the enchantment of a 
Circe than this. I reflect with rather grim satisfac- 
tion, that there has been a day in New England 
when they tied a witch to the stake for just such 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


23 


sorcery as this. Probably much wickedness was 
done under the name of witchcraft in those days, 
and I have no doubt that if innocent parties 
suffered, the guilty were occasionally brought up 
with a round turn, 

What is it he takes from his satchel? I am deeply 
interested in my paper, but through a hole in its 
center I see the object he lays on the seat tempo- 
rarily while closing his valise. 

It looks like a box from a jeweler's, and I ^manage 
to glance in the direction of the fair adventuress 
when he hands it to her. 

Almost immediately she utters a decidedly femin- 
ine ejaculation of delight, and I almost hold my 
breath as I see the diamonds in her hand, for they 
are royally magnificent. 

At her exclamation, the handsome retired Eng- 
lish officer tears his attention from the novel he is 
reading, and surveys the sparkling gems with an 
interest he tries in vain to subdue. 

I am riot an expert in such matters, but I know 
something about diamonds, and feel quite confident 
the gems Robert Hammond thus nonchalantly pre- 
sents to the girl he is so madly infatuated with, on 
the Limited Chicago express, must be worth a 
couple of thousand dollars at least. 

Given time, the young man will probably spend 
his whole fortune on the beautiful adventuress. 
There is no limit to a man’s course when under 
such a spell — the wisest may become a fool — even 
Samson of old found his Delilah. 

Once more the doughty colonel of hussars resumes 
his novel, hiding himself behind its pages, but I can 
see him smile in a peculiar fashion, thanks to the 


24 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY, 


friendly little mirror near at hand, and understand 
that his thoughts are pleasant ones. 

How far will they go in this game— it is a question 
of great moment to me. I do not believe the young 
man’s life is in danger, but such people as these 
hesitate at nothing when the end is worth the 
effort. 

Dinner is announced in the dining-car, and a por- 
tion start for the seat of war. I linger, not for 
want of an appetite, but because there are two good 
reasons. In the first place, the car will be filled at 
first and no room for me. Then p^gain, I prefer to 
dine at the same time the strange trio opposite do. 
Why? Well, perhaps it may be the better to watch 
them, and, yes, the desire to see that wonderful 
face which has smitten poor Kobert Hammond in 
such a deadly manner, possibly has something to 
do with it. 

At any rate, I wait half an hour. Then those 
who went first, return, and noticing the dashing 
colonel putting his novel away, while the lady goes 
to wash her hands, I conclude they intend going in 
to dinner, and at once make a break for the dining- 
car myself. 

Here I have a chance to get a seat at the entrance, 
where the balance of the car is spread out before 
me. When the party enters, I will have a good op- 
portunity to watch them. 

They come. 

The lady sits facing me, and throws back the 
short vail which has almost completely hidden her 
face. As before, I am dazzled. It is not her beauty 
alone that strikes me so powerfully, but a some- 
thing beyond the power of words to describe. 

I realize that such a wonderfully fascinating 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEKY. 


25 


creature could play the confidence game to an 
almost unlimited extent. Nearly any man would 
be bamboozled by the specious tale she would tell, 
and have his hand in his pocket unconsciously, ere 
she was half done. As to appearing against her in 
court, hang me if a jury could be found who would 
look upon that face and convict her of such a 
trifling thing as getting money on false pretenses. 

I hardly know what I eat for my dinner, and yet 
when done, I am conscious of my satiety. My 
attention has been wholly given up to admiring 
that remarkable face, and wondering why Provi- 
dence gave it to the possessor of an unscrupulous 
mind. 

There are queerly constructed creatures in this 
world of ours, who look as though some mistake 
had been made in the combination of mind and 
matter. One woman, brought prominently before 
the New York public not a great while since, in the 
notorious case of blackmail, is as beautiful as an 
houri, and has the look of a gentle, refined lady, 
yet she has seldom been heard to speak without 
uttering an oath. Surely the chemist who put the 
properties together, must have made a grave mis- 
take, and somewhere in this world walks a woman 
with the features of a fiend, and a disposition 
angelic in its character. 

At length I leave the car and return through a 
couple of sleepers to the one where I belong. As I 
enter, I see the nun leave the seat where the sallow- 
faced woman sits. The latter is busy tying up a 
cardboard box which evidently contains luncheon, 
which they have probably been enjoying together, 
taking advantage of the absence of the other party. 

Presently, the three come in. I am, at the time, 


26 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


washing my hands, and they pass close by, the lady 
laughing at some sally made by Hammond. 

“Yes, a remarkable coincidence, as you say 
Albert. I never thought there was another creature 
in the world so like that girl,” I hear a voice say, 
and notice the fact that the English tourist sports- 
men are in the smoking compartment, and have 
seen the trio pass. 

It strikes me the speaker refers to the lovely siren 
who leads Kobert Hammond about, and I strain my 
ears to hear more. 

His companion puffs complacently at his sweet 
brier pipe for a minute before speaking. 

“Well you see, Reggie, old fellow, I was bitten 
by Ann Reilly, under the name of Isabelle Dun- 
raven, to the tune of fifty pounds, and I have reason 
to remember her. This girl is- her exact counter- 
part, and d’ye know I’m very much of the opinion 
it’s the same party, and that she’s up to some 
beastly game with the rich young chap she’s lead- 
ing by the nose. ” 

“If you were sure of it, I’d warn the poor fool.” 

“Nonsense! Catch me telling him the girl he’s 
dead gone on is an adventuress. Why, if I’m any 
judge of the Yankee, he’s fiery enough to call it a 
lie, and knock some of my teeth out. Oh ! no, it’s 
none of my business. Let him cut his eye teeth and 
learn wisdom.” 

Then they fall to talking about something that 
concerns their trip in the North-west. I have a faint 
inclination to tell them the supposition advanced is 
the truth, but on second thought, restrain myself. 
The fewer concerned in that secret the better. 

I return to the main body of the car to resume 
my seat, and once more endeavor to gather the 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 27 

threads together so as to weave them into a beauti- 
ful fabric—my case. 

CHAPTER IV. 

THE STRANGE OLD VIOLINIST, 

Robert Hammond and the girl seem to be wholly 
wrapped up in each other, and pay little attention 
to their fellow-travelers. The doughty colonel has 
left them, to smoke in the gentlemen’s compart- 
ment. I wonder will he enter into conversation 
with the English tourists, and whether they may or 
may not size him up for a fraud of the first water. 
Still, he may have been an officer in her majesty’s 
service — all such officers are not gentlemen of the 
first rank, since an examination allows a man to 
enter the line. 

The young couple apparently find plenty to talk 
about. As the car is warm the girl is forced to re- 
move her hat, and the vail goes with it. I watch 
them out of my half-closed eyes, and speculate on 
the old fable of the spider and the fly. 

I would give a good deal to hear what they are 
saying, but they speak too low for this. 

Hammond seems happy, and yet I can see the 
man acts peculiarly. Again the suspicion of a drug 
comes into my mind— this does not appear to be the 
same astute young politician who took such a prom- 
inent part in the debates at Albany, and charmed 
all hearers with his witty sallies, his shrewd logic, 
and lawyer-like method of making up his case. 

He is like one in a dream, and unless something 
occurs to suddenly shock him, he cannot be aroused 
from this peculiar mental coma. Perhaps, before 
Chicago is reached, or soon after^ I may find a way 


28 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


of thus electrifying the young man, and bringing 
him to his senses. 

To accomplish this I will have to be qualified to 
prove the base design these harpies have upon his 
purse, and I may need the assistance of the two 
English tourists in the matter. About the time we 
near Harrisburgh, in the afternoon, I find my inter- 
est aroused in a new quarter. Coming back to my 
seat after getting a drink — my real object was to 
see whether the English colonel was talking with 
the tourists — I discover a novel in my seat. There 
is no train newsboy around to bother one with his 
attentions, for we have quite a little library aboard, 
and I wonder who has been so kind as to loan me a 
book. 

Mechanically I pick it up, and opening to the first 
page, find written in pencil, one line : 

“Watch his jags the Rabbi.” 

Is this a mere accident, or can it be design? 

I am puzzled to know, but at any rate there is no 
harm in keeping an eye on that end of the car 
where the Jew has his seat. 

It seems like nonsense to think he has anything 
in common with these people, and as I watch his 
face, seen in the glass he fronts, I cannot believe it 
possible. Nevertheless, before five minutes have 
elapsed, I realize the weakness of human judgment, 
even when backed by such long experience as my 
own. 

The colonel comes out of the passage leading 
around the drawing-room and smoking compart- 
ment. He glances swiftly toward the lovers — their 
heads are jplose together— just now Robert Ham- 
mond can see nothing before him but a laughing 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


29 


face, bright magnetic eye^, and wavy brown hair 
that has made him captive. 

As if assured that he will not be noticed — the. 
sallow-faced woman is asleep in her seat; Larz 
Andrews suddenly bends over and whispers some- 
thing in the ear of the Jew, who seems to receive 
the communication with considerable satisfaction, 
for as the other raises his head to pass on, the sup- 
posed Rabbi nods vigorously, and I take it he is 
signifying that he understands. 

Here is another complication — what has this 
Jewish chap to do with the case. He must be in 
the plot somehow, and doubtless means to play his 
hand at the proper time. 

My thoughts go back to the writing in the book. 

Then it means exactly what it says, and was 
placed there for my benefit. This raises rather an 
interesting question for me — what friend have I on 
the sleeper, and why should they know that I watch 
these people? 

The nun — suspicion directs me to that quarter the 
first thing, but I cannot reconcile the handwriting 
and style of the sentence with a woman. Is this 
nun a woman. I have not seen her face yet, and 
am not so positive about it, though her carriage 
and manner have so far given me no room for 
suspicion. 

At least I am convinced of one thing — there is a 
regular clique of plotters on board the Vestibule 
Limited, and the object of their game is Robert 
Hammond and his millions. Their hook has been 
cunningly baited with a sweet face, and the victim 
has already bitten ; whether he can by their united 
efforts be landed, depends wholly upon their ability, 
and my own efforts. 


30 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


Somehow, I begin to wonder whether there may 
not be others still in the El Dorado, as our Pullman 
is named, connected with this case. How about the 
commercial traveler who has a seat opposite the 
nun, or the fast-looking “horsey” fellow, whose 
face gives indication of much cunning, such as 
comes to a man who has long lived on his wits. 
There is another — the Professor. He still keeps one 
eye on his beloved violin ; it must be a Cremona of 
rare tone to be so valued. In case of accident, I am 
sure they will never haul the old man out unless his 
violin comes also. 

He sits there with his head thrown back ; [ rather 
like the cast of his face, and wonder where, under 
the sun, I have looked into those same eyes before ; 
but this is no time for reflections based upon curi- 
osity alone. It occurs to me that the novel may 
have come in my seat from his hands ; if so, who in 
the duse is he, that he desires to put me up to new 
wrinkles in the game that is being played? 

Harrisburgh is left behind; we cross the long 
bridge over the Susquehanna, and begin to follow 
the river up for many miles, to Anally leave it, and 
advance up the valley of the lovely Juniata. 

The day is growing to a close. How weird the 
mountains appear around us, their tops outlined 
against the sky. It is a scene I am very fond of, 
but on this occasion I see without appreciating the 
charms of the rugged landscape, for my mind is 
busy with this strange mystery being worked to a 
conclusion on board the swift flying Limited ex- 
press. 

I have really grown weary watching the pair 
across the^ay. Through the whole afternoon they 
have acted like a couple of spoons, hardly noticing 


THE VESTIBULE LnilTEi) MYSTEBY. 


31 


any one else in the car. The infatuation is much 
the stronger on the part of the young man, however, 
as I can readily see, although she is flattered by his 
attention. 

More than once, however, I notice a faint shade 
of weariness and disgust creep over her fair face, 
as he shows some unusual act of devotion, and I 
believe she does not care a great deal for Hammond 
after all. 

She wearies of him. Such a nature really loves 
only wealth and power, though perhaps able to 
endure the means used to attain these. Some day, 
even if I do not have a hand in the game, Robert 
Hammond will have his eyes rudely opened, when 
he must realize what a fool he has been turned into 
by these schemers. 

It will be a dreadful awakening for him. 

I pity the young man ; but all the same determine 
to cheat these harpies of the prey they are angling 
for so cleverly. 

The evening is coming on. 

Shadows fall athwart the track, since the sun is 
behind the western hills. Already it grows a little 
gloomy in the car. Presently the porter will be 
coming to light up. 

At this time, I again pass out to quench my 
thirst ; I seem to have eaten something exceeding!}^ 
salty, for there is an almost constant desire for a 
drink of ice-water. 

Into the glass I place a few drops of Jamaica 
ginger, knowing too well the effect of such a sudden 
change in my drinking water. The business on 
hand is of too serious a nature to allow of my get- 
ting sick. 

I have managed to drain the glass, despite the 


32 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEKY. 

shaking of the car, when a hand touches me on the 
arm. 

“Would the signor mind allowing me to have a 
dash of that Jamaica ginger?” says a voice. 

I turn and see the old violinist. 

His request is a simple one, and can be readily 
granted without trouble. Little courtesies like this 
are frequent between travelers on an Amercian 
railway. We become social and well disposed to- 
ward our fellow-passengers ; indeed, often on long 
journeys the inmates of a sleeper act like members 
of a family, and care for each other’s wants as far 
as practicable. This may seem strange to foreign 
eyes, but we live in a queer country anyhow. There 
is perfect freedom here, untrammeled by the re- 
straints of custom. 

At the same time, should a rascal take advantage 
of this opportunity and insult a lady, the chances 
are he would be tossed from the car by his indig- 
nant fellows. 

1 am convinced, however, that this man has a 
motive in following me to the end of the sleeper. 

If, as I believe he is the party who has warned 
me that the Kabbi is in communication with these 
confidence people, it may pay me to make his ac- 
quaintance. 

He hands my little bottle of ginger back and 
drinks the water he has dashed with the extract. 
I stand there leaning against the entrance to the 
smoking compartment, which I believe is empty, 
the English sportsmen having gone forward to see 
some friend, or enjoy the luxuries to be indulged in 
aboard this wonderful train, which include a bath- 
room, barber chair, and all the latest stock ques- 
tions. There are some people so wedded to their 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEEY. 33 

business that even on a railway journey they like 
to be tied to their office with a connecting wire. 

To the Englishmen this must indeed be a great 
surprise, for they treat business very lightly across 
the big pond, making it of secondary importance to 
many things in life. There is also a ladies' maid 
aboard, which is quite a nice thing for ladies travel- 
ing unattended or with childern. 

The old violinist wipes his hands upon a towel, 
several times losing his balance, and nearly pitching 
into a mirror for the train is plunging along up the 
valley of the Juniata at a great rate of speed. 

As he turns to leave I manage to say : 

‘‘Come in and sit down a while, friend, if thee is 
not in a hurry to return.” 

“Si, signor, I do not care if I do,” he replies, with 
a smile, and passes into the smoking-room. 

Here all is gloom, but I have my eye on a pendant 
knob near the corner, which I manage to insert in 
its proper place, and with the connection an electric 
light flashes up, soft and yet powerful. Here is 
another marvel of Yankee ingenuity to amaze our 
slow going English cousins. 

As I believed, the little compartment is quite 
empty, and its soft cushions invite us to take it 
comfortably. The train jerks somewhat roughly, 
while thus speeding along toward Altoona, so that 
it is much more pleasant to be seated than endeavor 
to maintain an equilibrium standing. 

The Professor drops into a corner and I And a seat 
beside him. If vre are to have a confidential little 
chat, it is just as well that the ice be broken at 
once. I take out the novel and lay it in his lap. 

“Thee was very kind and considerate to loan me 
the book, Professor; but thee knows I could not 


34 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEKY. 


read a novel. What tempted thee to speak so dis- 
respectfully of the Israelite?” 

The old violinist looks at me for a moment, gives 
a laugh, and brings his hand down on my knee 
with emphatic force. 

“You’re on to me, Craig, old man, I see!” he ex- 
claims. 

Phew 1 it’s my employer. Colonel Acton himself ! 


THE VESTIBULE LIAHTED MYSTERY. 


35 


CHAPTER V. 

‘‘THEY ARE ALREADY MAN AND WIFE!” 

Although intensely surprised at this sudden dis- 
closure I make sure not to betray it in my face. 
Under such circumstances, a man may hear that he 
has fallen heir to a million without showing emo- 
tion. 

“What does this mean, colonel? Did you make 
up your mind at the last minute that I couldn’t be 
trusted with the case?” 

I am somewhat indignant, for it has never been 
his custom to interfere with a game after once turn- 
ing it over to me. There has always been a sort of 
code of ethics on this subject, observed though not 
published. Acton looks serious. 

“You must pardon me, Craig, for joining you in 
this game. In the first place you remember I told 
you I was strongly tempted to take up the business 
myself. Two will be better than one, anyhow, for 
unless the signs fail we will have our hands full 
with these people before the end is reached. 

“ I remembered after you had gone with the letter 
of advice, that there were several things I neglected 
to write out” — I think so, decidedly, myself, but say 
nothing — “and at first concluded to wire you at 
Philadelphia, in cipher. Then I found I would have 
plenty of time to meet you at the depot, and was 
just starting out with that purpose in view, when 
in came Jack Shark with a batch of news bearing 
on the subject. 


36 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


“ This was of such a serious character that I took 
the alarm at once, and made up my mind to go on 
the Limited, which accounts for my being here. 

“Now let us join in heart and soul to accomplish 
the best results. We have a case before us that is 
worthy of our efforts. Are you offended, Craig, at 
my coming?” 

He treats me more as a partner than an employee, 
and indeed the time is near at. hand when I am to 
assume the higher office, according to the contract 
we have between us. All feelings of resentment 
vanish. 

“There’s my hand on it, colonel. Under the cir- 
cumstances I had all I cared to look after, and if, 
as you say, there are other complications that I 
ought to know, it is only fair and proper for you to 
join me in the game.” 

“Spoken like a man. Now weTl see if we can’t 
make these leeches sick of their bargain before 
they’ve gone much further with the affair.” 

I confess to a certain amount of curiosity with re- 
gard to the matter, both in relation to the informa- 
tion he has received, and the manner in which he 
expects to checkmate the scherhers. 

If he means to either warn or plead with Robert 
Hammond his time will be wasted, for that young 
man is his own master, and T can see from the cut 
of his jib that he will not be dictated to. 

Some other means must be employed to effect the 
same result, and my acquaintance with Colonel 
Acton’s abilities, gives me reason to believe he will 
be equal to the emergency. 

“To begin with, Craig, what have you discov- 
ered?” he asks. 

I speedily tell him all, even to the communication 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 37 

between the nun and the yellow-faced female 
attendant seated in the section with the Jew. At 
mention of the magnificent diamonds, the colonel 
frowns and grits his teeth. 

“The fool!” he mutters, “so blind, so utterly 
blind. It is the worst folly I have ever seen.” 

I take up the cudgels for Robert. 

“You cannot blame him so much. That girl’s 
face is enough to bewitch Satan himself. I’m an 
old campaigner, colonel, you know you always 
called me a woman hater, though I never deserved 
that name. But even I declare that that girl, under 
certain conditions, mind you, could have made a 
fool of me. I never saw such a natural born en- 
chantress.” 

Acton shrugs his shoulders. 

“ If that is the case, Craig, I suppose I shouldn’t 
blame a hot-blooded young fellow like Robert Ham- 
mond so much.” 

“ He has been led on and deceived. I have no 
doubt he believes that girl is an angel, and would 
quickly resent, as a deadly insult, any suggestion 
reflecting on her character.” 

“I am sure of it, under the circumstances,” he re- 
plies significantly. 

With that I turn upon him. 

“Now let me know what you have learned.” 

“Softly, Craig,” as the porter passed by to light 
up the car with a flash of electric power. 

We have been speaking in low tones all the time, 
caution being one of our natural attributes. The 
rush of the train deadens sounds, so that there is 
hardly any chance of a word we may utter reach- 
ing other ears. 

“Judging from what you have seen, you believe 


38 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

Hammond means to marry this charming adven- 
turess?” he asks. 

“ I have no doubt he will make such a fool of him- 
self unless we prevent it.” 

‘‘That is impossible, Craig. They are already 
man and wife.” 

I give a whistle— it is the only way I can express 
my surprise. 

“Then this is the latest news you picked up?” I 
ask, with some eagerness. 

“A portion of Jack Shark’s report.” 

“It looks as though our cake were dough then.” 

“Not yet, Craig, not yet. They’ve gained one 
point, but that doesn’t satisfy them. In time the 
young fellow might spend the whole of his fortune 
on this girl ; but time is valuable to them and they 
want to have the handling of that pile themselves. 
Do you comprehend?” 

“I’m getting there fast — proceed.” 

“Perhaps you may have noticed something out 
of the way in Hammond’s behavior?” 

“Yes. I was in doubt for a time whether it was 
caused by his mad infatuation, or came from his 
having been drugged,” I reply. 

“What conclusion did you reach?” 

“ I compromised the matter, and decided that both 
causes worked in this case.” 

“Well, you were correct. They did drug him.” 

“Ah! these people do not hesitate about doing 
anything that advances their purpose.” 

“No, indeed.” 

“Who’s the Rabbi— what has he to do with the 
affair, colonel?” 

“He is really a doctor — Samuels by name, and 
bound body and soul to this Andrews. It was he 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEKY. 39 

who furnished the drug that took away the last 
remnant of manly independence from Robert Ham- 
mond, and made him what you see, a poor, weak, 
love^sick fool. He does not realize what he is 
doing ; his whole being appears to be wrapped up 
in this girl, and it seems to him he has no other 
object in life than to worship the brazen serpent.” 

“ Poor devil ; do you suppose he can ever be cured 
of this mad infatuation” 

Acton again shrugs his broad shoulders. 

“Possibly — if he lives.” 

Something in his tone, rather than the words 
themselves, startles me. 

“ If he lives — do you apprehend that these people 
would dare attempt his life?” 

“ Ah ! Craig, you know full well there are many 
persons in this world who would hesitate at no 
crime were they certain of not being found out. 
The fear of detection keeps many persons honest.” 

“That is so, colonel.” 

“ There are things connected with this affair that 
make me believe they intend going to the extreme 
end. Hammond’s private fortune is worth nearly a 
million, and with such a rich stake no risk is too 
great for them to incur.” 

I shudder at the thought of that lovely girl de- 
liberately planning the death of the man who wor- 
ships so madly. After such an experience I am 
glad to know Duncan Craig is a bachelor. 

“ There are two things that cause me to believe it 
is their intention to make way with Robert Ham- 
mond at some time in the near future — perhaps 
before this journey is done. 

“The first of these is the presence of Doctor 
Samuels on board the train. He is the man who, 


40 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEKY. 


when the time comes, will possibly supply the 
means for putting the other out of existence. 

“A second lies in the fact that before leaving 
New Y^ork, Robert Hammond made a will, leaving 
all his property to his beloved wife Evangeline.” 

“Ah! that is her name now, eh? 

“Yes. You see the drift of things, Craig?” 

“ Indeed, I do, colonel. As you say, it has a very 
serious look. Even if we prevent a tragedy it will 
be an ugly business, as she is his wife all the 
same.” 

“Ah! once let his eyes be opened so that he sees 
the girl in her true light — once let him realize that 
she has plotted to murder him, and this love will 
turn to aversion and disgust. Under such circum- 
stances I do not think we will find it very difficult 
to annul the marriage.” 

“Upon what grounds?” 

“A previous marriage.” 

“ Of course she has played this same game before, 
and we can get proof of it.” 

Then I tell him about the two English sportsmen, 
and what passed between them while they were 
looking after the colonel &nd his charge. 

“I wouldn’t say anything to them about the 
matter — at least not at present. In case of neces- 
sity we can have their evidence when the proper 
time comes.” 

“What shall we do meanwhile?” 

“Watch and wait.” 

This is good advice under all circumstances, and 
I know that just now it is all we can expect to do. 

If, with both of us on the lookout, the desperate 
game is not blocked, then the schemers certainly 
deserve to succeed. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


41 


There is only one thing I am uneasy about, and 
this is Robert Hammond himself. If he takes it into 
his head to be ugly he can give us a great amount 
of trouble. 

When the time comes for the denouement we 
must handle him gently, in a manner befitting his 
peculiar frame of mind. 

The colonel and myself talk it over a little longer, 
and have about decided how we are to keep watch 
and watch about, when the door of the car is 
thrown open to admit the steward of the hotel-car, 
who announces, passing through : 

“Supper ready in the dining-carl” 

As we have arranged it, I go in first, and when I 
come back in half an hour or so, Acton is to take 
my place. Thus, by dividing our forces, we can 
keep the people under surveillance. 

Nothing new transpires during the progress of the 
meal. The three come in before I am done, and I 
see Acton seated ere I leave. 

I notice one thing. 

Evangeline is a woman, with all that implies, so 
far as love for gems is concerned. She has been 
unable to resist the temptation longer, and when 
she enters the brilliantly lighted dining-car I notice 
that she has on the diamonds which Robert has 
recently given her. 

They show to great advantage on her lovely per- 
son, and add to her charms, seeming to increase his 
mad worship. 

I almost think he will eat her up, for his gaze 
when looking at her is certainly of the devouring 
order ; and she keeps leading him on with the most 
exasperating little tricks, that I do not wonder some 
men have gone crazy with love and murdered their 


42 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


sweethearts. It is playing with fire to toy with the 
heart of a man who is desperately in love — like the 
bursting out of a volcano that smoldering passion 
may overleap all bounds and bring destruction 
upon the one nearest its shadow. 

Something tells me we will dig deeper into this 
mystery of the Limited express before morning 
comes. As time rolls on the train pushes steadily 
onward, mounting the Alleghenies to Horse-shoe 
Bend and Altoona. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


43 


CHAPTER VL 

READY FOR THE TEST. 

When I return again to the sleeper, the first 
person I notice is the nun. She is eating lunch with 
the sallow-faced woman, and keeps her head down 
so that I cannot see her countenance. 

This reminds me that I have neglected to ask 
Acton about her, who she is, and what connection 
she has with the game. He must know, and yet 
has not seen fit to tell me. Perhaps it is an over- 
sight. At any rate, I will have no scruples about 
asking him the next time I think of it, and the 
chance arises. 

The Rabbi has gone to get his supper, but the 
horse dealer or race-track gambler sits in his seat, 
I wonder if he has anything to do with this strange 
case, for it seems to me half the people in the car 
have already become connected with it, and there 
is a chance for the rest to work in yet. 

He appears to be a shrewd sort of chap, and inde- 
pendent, too, caring little for any one about him. I 
do not like his looks, however, and avoid him, 
though when in passing my seat he ventures some 
ordinary remark concerning the jolting of the car 
around the bends, in apology for almost plunging 
into my lap, I reply civilly enough, though my 
manner does- not invite confidence. 

After a time the others return, and once more the 
car is filled. 

We reach Altoona. 


44 


THE VESTHBULE LIMITED MYSTEKY, 


A few berths are being made up. I watch the 
people opposite to me like a hawk, and yet they do 
not know it. There are more ways of doing this 
same thing than enters into the philosophy of most 
persons. 

The girl is his wife, but she seems to be still under 
the charge of her father. Perhaps the marriage has 
been a secret one, or a pretense made that way. At 
any rate, he is not to be known as a husband — yet. 

While looking on the sly, I see her slip something 
into his hand, and this he hastily puts into his 
pocket, laughing at some remark she makes in a 
low tone. 

Although I have had just the merest glimpse of 
the article, I am of the opinion it is a small vial of 
some sort. 

There flashes across my mind the suspicion that 
this may be an important part in the plot against 
Hammond. 

What does that vial contain? 

When is he to take it? 

Under the circumstances, I am of the opinion that 
Acton should know the facts, and, as if to answer 
my wish, he passes up the aisle just then, giving 
me a peculiar wink, which I know means that I am 
to follow. 

He has something to communicate, and this is a 
time when prompt action must take place. 

So I go after him again. 

It is lucky that the smokers have smoked them- 
selves out, for we find a good use to which we can 
put the little compartment. 

Acton grips my shoulder at once. 

“Craig, did you see her give him something?” he 
asks, anxiously. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEKY. 45 

I reply in the affirmative. 

“ Then I was not deceived. I thought such a thing 
occurred, and yet did not actually see it, judging 
only from their actions. Tell me, what was it?” 

“As near as I can judge a small vial.” 

“Good Heavens, man! then our worst suspicions 
are about to come true. They have doomed Robert 
Hammond.” 

“You think it was poison?” 

“I am sure of it, Craig. We cannot afford to let 
this thing go on. You must get possession of that 
bottle.” 

I rub my head. 

“By force, colonel?” 

“Try strategy first, but if necessary, give it all 
away to the young man. We will find some means 
to open his eyes, and I think I can give you a 
pointer.” 

With which he tells me of a little plan whereby 
Hammond may receive a shock. I like it at once, 
and agree with Acton that perhaps it is the best 
thing to be done. 

If luck favors us and keeps the little compart- 
ment emptv, all will be well. We hope for the 
best, like the early settlers in Yew England, when 
threatened by the Indians “trusting in Providence, 
yet keeping our powder dry.” 

Acton returns to his place, and I take an observa- 
tion, which reveals the fact that the party are over 
in my seat, while the porter makes up the berths in 
three. 

Presently, Andrews Hornes into the lavatory to 
wash his hands and take a night-cap before re- 
tiring. He passes a few pleasant words with me, 
and I realize that the man is a most accomplished 


46 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

fellow. At the same time I believe him to be as 
great a rascal as ever went unhung. I am amazed 
at his assurance, plotting murder actually on the 
famous Vestibule Limited. Perhaps he imagines 
that the very publicity of the affair will prove an 
additional safeguard. 

I am waiting. 

Hammond will surely come, and I sincerely trust 
he may be reasonable. It has been agreed upon 
between Acton and myself that as we cannot hope 
to make him believe that Evangeline ha;S been 
cognizant of his contemplated death, and, fearing 
lest he may make a scene, it will be best to let him 
grasp the truth gradually. 

Thus, I mean to make out just now that it is the 
wicked father who is plotting his death, making 
Evangeline his unconscious agent. 

When he has accepted this, we can fight off the 
climax, and gradually get matters around in a ship- 
shape fashion. 

Ah ! he comes. 

Hardly noticing me, he allows some water to run 
into the basin, and proceeds to wash. When he 
rubs his face and hands vigorously with the towel, 
I speak. 

“Mr. Hammond!” 

Turning, he surveys me. 

“Did you speak, sir?” 

“I did. Would you mind stepping into this room 
with me? I have something of the utmost import- 
ance to communicate.” 

He cannot well refuse, but I see a look of sus- 
picion upon his face. Perhaps he is in the humor 
to doubt every one save Evangeline. 

“Be seated, please.” 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


47 


He drops beside me. 

“First of all, you are not a Quaker,” he says, with 
something of a sneer in his voice. 

“ I am not. I spoke purposely in a way you could 
not mistake, for I desire that you know just who I 
am and why I am here.” 

“Go on,” he says, biting his lips. 

“Mr. Hammond, you are accounted a sensible 
man in New York, and in the past have always 
been ready to listen to reason.” 

“I trust 1 am still,” he remarks. 

“ I hope to Heaven you are, sir, for I have a most 
astonishing piece of intelligence to tell you, and 
one that might well tax the credulity of any person. 
You are being made the victim of a great con- 
spiracy, Mr. Hammond.” 

He frowns, and then laughs. 

“Indeed! Well, it wouldn’t be the first time, I 
reckon. My worldly goods have tempted rascals 
before now to making an effort at my capture, look- 
ing to a ransom.” 

“This time I am sorry to say they have well nigh 
succeeded. There is a clique on board this train 
sworn to strip you of your wealth.” 

“Quite dramatic, that,” he says, nonchalantly. 

“Mr. Hammond, perhaps you will see the serious- 
ness of this matter when 1 swear to you that the 
man you call friend. Colonel Larz Andrews, is at 
the head of this clique.” 

With that he scowls blactly. 

“Stop right where you are, sir. 'You, an utter 
stranger, dare to accuse her father of such a vile 
business. I have half a mind ” 

“ Mr. Hammond, I appeal to your good sense. I 


48 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTBBY. 

have said nothing about the girl— it is the man I ac- 
cuse of plotting against your life.” 

“My life?” startled. 

“Yes, that is what it means, sir. This league 
against you can only secure your fortune over your 
dead body.” 

“ Come, this sounds like a scene from the latest 
play,” he sneers. 

“All the world’s a stage, sir. The same things 
represented on the boards occur in real life every 
day. I solemnly swear your life is in danger from 
that man.” 

“ Look here, sir, you must prove your words or 
eat them here and now,” almost fiercely, as the 
thought comes again that the man I accuse is the 
father — as he believes — of his wife. 

“ That I am willing to do, if you will favor me 
with your attention.” 

“Well, since you claim that my life is in danger, 
I would be a fool not to listen. I hope I haven’t 
reached that stage yet. By the way, who are you, 
sir?” 

“You wouldn’t know me if I gave you my name. 
Call me Jones if you please.” 

“Then what are you?” 

“A detective officer of New York.” 

“Did any one hire you to look after me— I chance 
to know certain members of my family object to 
my intimacy with Colonel Andrews and his daugh- 
ter-have they sent you here to cause a rupture 
between us?” 

I shake niy head. 

“I do not know who employs me, as I have seen 
no one. All business has been done through my 


THE ^^STIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


49 


superior. Colonel Acton, whose name is respected 
through all New York.” 

“Well, the proof, man?” impatiently. 

I have aroused his curiosity, and that is one point 
gained at least. 

“Pardon me, Mr. Hammond, but would you let 
me see the little vial handed to you by the lady 
some time ago?” 

He flushes red at once. 

“ That cannot interest you, sir,” he replies. 

“Again I ask your pardon, but it does interest me 
very much, and it certainly can do no harm for you 
to show it to me. Hold it in your hand, if you 
please.” 

He eyes me keenly a moment, puts a couple of 
fingers in his vest pocket, and takes out a small 
bottle, which, as he holds up to the light, I see con- 
tains a reddish fluid. 

“ If I am not mistaken, Mr. Hammond, I saw the 
Jewish doctor in section eight fill that vial from a 
larger one, which he then tossed out of the car- 
door. 1 was sitting in here, and he did not notice 
me, as it was almost dark. Under ordinary circum- 
stances, I should hardly have noticed his action, but 
knowing he was in this miserable clique against 
you I watched him. Tell me, what are you going 
to do with that?” 

“ Take it when I retire— it is an opiate to induce 
sleep.” 

“Ah! my dear fellow, I fear that it may bring the 
sleep that knows no waking.” 

“Sir, you forget that I received this from the 
hand of a lady— one with whom I could trust my 
life. I will prove how much I am willing to believe 
in her.” 


50 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


He raises his hand and removes the stopper— just 
in time I catch his arm. 

“ Rash man, you tempt your fate. What would 
you do now?” I demand. 

“Drain the bottle, and by living, prove your story 
to be the fabric of a diseased imagination.” 

“Or, what is more likely, by dying, prove the 
truth of it. See here, Mr. Hammond, as I said be- 
fore, I believe you to be a sensible man. Show it 
by agreeing with me that since there may be a mis- 
take about this liquid, you will at least make an 
experiment before swallowing it yourself.” 

“ What you say is reasonable, sir, but let me see 
you produce the subject for the test.” 

“ Ah ! fortune enables me to do so, Mr. Hammond.” 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


51 


CHAPTER VII. 

SUCCESS AND FAILURE. 

Thus speaking, I bend down and from a corner of 
the smoker take a common grape basket, such as is 
sold in Kew York with some ten pounds of the 
fruit. It has a wooden cover to it, tied with a 
string, and in this cover are a number of holes, 
roughly made with a knife, as if to let air in to the 
captive. 

I untie the cord and raise the lid. 

“Look here, sir.” 

“ Ah ! a Maltese cat, half grown. Where did you 
get it, sir?” he asks. 

“ Some one gave it to the porter, and he is taking 
it to his Chicago girl. Now I propose that while I 
hold this cat’s mouth open you allow a small portion 
of that liquid to pass down its throat. Then we will 
tie the lid again and await developments. If the 
liquid is harmless the cat will sleep, but if what I 
believe is true ” 

I end the sentence with a shrug, and seizing the 
feline in a way to avoid resistance, open its mouth. 

Robert Hammond hesitates. 

“Do what you promised, man,” I exclaim. 

My words seem to nerve him to the effort, for he 
suddenly empties about a third of the liquid down 
the red throat. Then I release the cat. The animal 
sneezes, shakes its head and looks surprised. It 
offers no resistance while I replace it once more in 


52 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

the basket, and fastening the string await further 
developments. 

Hammond mechanically puts the vial away in 
his pocket, looking at me in a dazed state. 

I am conscious of exercising some influence upon 
his actions, perhaps serving as a counter-irritant, 
and for this I am glad. If Hammond were in his 
ordinary health, he would never give up to me like 
this, for he has been known as a leader among 
men. 

“ Now, sir, while we wait for the stuff to work — 
and I think the quantity you gave the cat will start 
operations in a few minutes— I desire to tell you 
some plain truths. 

‘‘ employer. Colonel Acton, is on board this 
train, deeply interested in your case. There are, 
besides, two English gentlemen traveling for pleas- 
ure — one I believe is a nobleman — who will swear to 
you that this man you know as Larz Andrews is a 
rascal of the flrst water — a confidence man ready to 
take any risk for a fortune.” 

I can see his face show signs of trouble. 

“Poor Evangeline!” I hear him mutter; “if this 
should prove true, it will be a sad blow to your 
pride. We must keep it a secret, if it turns out as 
represented.” 

I hardly know what to say or think. There are 
none so blind as those who will not see. How fool- 
ishly he deludes himself with the idea that one could 
be innocent while the other is guilty. Still, that is 
one of the follies of a woman’s witchcraft— the man 
who loves her sees nothing wrong in the object of 
his worship. 

“Mr. Hammond, have you recently purchased 
any medicine?” I ask. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 63 

“No, sir. I have not been sick.” 

“Have you bought anything in a drug store?” 

“Not for myself.” 

“For any one else, then?” 

“ Yes.” 

“Would you mind telling me what it was?” 

“H’m, I don’t know,” he replies. 

“How is that — forgotten?” 

“ Evangeline gave me a piece of paper with some- 
thing on it — a doctor’s prescription, I believe — but 
my mind being occupied with other things I did not 
notice. As I passed a drug store I went in and had 
it filled for her.” 

“Ah! did the druggist say anything?” 

“He knows me well, glanced at the paper, and 
asked if I meant to use it myself, and upon my 
replying absent-mindedly that I did, he said he 
would write the directions again on the label. I 
paid him and came out, handing the bottle to 
Evangeline, later, without removing the paper.” 

“ I see, sir, and it soon went into the hands of 
Andrews, and from him to Doctor Samuels, whom 
I saw filling this small vial. Was it a square bottle 
you purchased, sir?” 

“I believe it was.” 

“ Then see for yourself how this clique of assas- 
sins have arranged to get your property. If that 
liquid, taken in quantity, is a deadly poison, and 
you are found stiff and stark in your berth to- 
morrow morning, all the evidence will point to 
suicide, for you purchased the stuff yourself, and 
even declared you meant to use it.” 

His eyes are opening to the awful truth, though 
he still persists in remaining blind with relation to 


54 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


that one point — her guilt, and I dare not attempt 
too much at once. 

“You present a very ingenious theory, Mr. Jones; 
but there is one weak spot in it.” 

“How is that?” 

“I don’t comprehend how my death would benefit 
this clique of rascals.” 

Here is another hurdle to be leaped ; I am to tell 
him the truth, and yet not all the truth. Really, 
such a man must be handled as a lineman manipu- 
lates a live electric wire — with gloves. 

“ Then I must explain, Mr. Hammond. To do so I 
will prove that what is a secret to the world is not 
such to me.” 

He looks startled. 

“Go on.” 

“You are married to Evangeline?” 

“ Yes.” 

“ Her father” — with an emphasis on the word that 
must haunt him later— -“ is supposed not to know of 
this thing; but he does, and it was through his 
influence that before leaving New York you went 
to a lawyer and made your will, leaving all your 
property to your wife, in case anything happened 
to you.” 

Hammond is surprised at the extent of my knowl- 
edge, and cannot but show it. Giving him no time 
to speak I continue : 

“That document is now safe in the wallet of 
Colonel Larz Andrews, instead of in the keeping of 
your wife as you believe.” 

“Confusion!” he ejaculates. 

“Now, Mr. Hammond, you will confess that I am 
your friend ; I wish to save you from this league 
of rascals, and if necessary, against yourself. For 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEEY. 


65 


God^s sake, sir, awaken to the fact that your peril 
is great and do not trust any one who has not 
proved a friend.” 

“Don’t attempt to set me against my wife, Mr. 
Jones. I will not believe a syllable if you do. If 
wrong has been done me, she has been an uncon- 
scious tool!” he exclaims, stubbornly. 

“ I have said nothing against her yet, Mr. Ham- 
mond. All I want to do is to get your eyes opened 
to the fact that danger hangs over your head. 
Once you believe that, I am sure you will take 
reasonable measures for protection against these 
people.” 

“Well, you have not proved it yet, sir,” with some 
show of defiance. 

I pick up the basket. 

“Let us see how the animal is getting on.” 

Placing it to my ear I can hear no sound from 
within the basket. There seems to be a dead 
weight under the cover ; I can distinguish a differ- 
ence between the present and that other time of 
lifting it, when the cat rested on its feet. My mean- 
ing must be clear, when I state that a basket with 
a dead cat in it appears to weigh more than one 
containing a live animal. 

Unfastening the cord, I remove the lid. 

Both of us glance eagerly into the basket, and 
just as I expected, in the ten minutes that have 
elapsed, the cat has stiffened out in death. There 
has been no struggle ; the poison is of such a nature 
that, taken in quantity, it paralyzes and then brings 
a speedy death. 

I am horrified myself when I gaze upon the awful 
effects of the drug, even though expecting just such 
a spectacle. As for Hammond, I really feel sorry 


56 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


for the man. His eyes almost protrude from his 
head. 

“Is it dead?” he gasps. 

“Take hold and see.” 

He does so, and lets go with a shiver. 

“Ugh! dead as a door nail! And that is what 
would have happened to me. Mr. Jones, I am 
grateful to you for saving my life.” 

“I hope you believe I spoke the truth, now.” 

“There can be no doubt of that, but perhaps it is 
the fault of the druggist — he may have given me 
the wrong article.” 

How he clings to a straw! I am more than aston- 
ished at it. 

“Druggists seldom make those mistakes, Mr. 
Hammond, and when you come to investigate the 
matter later on you will find that this one filled the 
prescription you gave him to the letter. He will 
have it in evidence, too. It is probably made out 
with the name of some fictitious doctor attached.” 

“And they meant I should be murdered?” he 
mutters, touching the poor cat again. 

“ It certainly looks that way. Their plans have 
been successfully carried out to that very point. 
Everything else has worked well.” 

“ And this would have done the same if it hadn’t 
been for you.” 

“You admit that I have saved your life, Mr. 
Hammond. Then trust in me further, and let me 
get you out of the toils of these plotters.” 

“ I will, sir, but do not attempt to convince me 
that she knows aught of this ; that she has even 
suspected my life was threatened.” 

“Whether Evangeline proves innocent or guilty, 
sir, you must make up your mind to be prepared for 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 57 

the worst. At any rate give me your word that you 
will not tell even her how you escaped this terrible 
fate.” 

“What excuse can I give?” 

“ State that you took an overdose of the sleeping 
potion, show the empty vial in evidence, and they 
will believe that you threw off the stuff, thus 
making a failure of their plans.” 

“Ah ! I see; that I was very sick in the night.” 

“Exactly. In return for what I have done for 
you will you promise me not to say a word of what 
has happened, even to her?” 

“I promise.” 

It is about as much as I can get from the man; 
his infatuation for Evangeline clings closer than 
anything I have ever seen. The best that I have 
been able to do is to temporarily save his life, and 
cause him to believe there is a clique formed against 
him. 

What result this will have in the future I am 
utterly unable to say. 

Kobert Hammond empties the vial in the wash- 
basin before leaving me, and I rejoice to see the 
last of the deadly fluid thus destroyed. No doubt 
they may be able to get more, but we have defeated 
the villains in the first round, and if the young- 
man does not inadvertently betray us, may be able 
to Anally worst them. 

The Hammond million is still safe. 

How long it will remain so depends a great deal 
upon the kindness of fortune ; as long as the young 
man continues to be infatuated with the pretty 
adventuress, and believes in her innocence, we can- 
not crush the conspiracy against him, of which she 
is the corner-stone. He goes to his berth to retire. 


58 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


I have the upper one, and am in no hurry to seek 
it, knowing I shall not get a great amount of sleep 
anyhow — I never do when traveling, as my thoughts 
seem to keep pace with the rattle of the wheels 
beneath. 

As it is, I am somewhat disappointed with my 
work, though really 1 have succeeded as well as I 
could have expected, knowing how deeply the 
young man is enamored with the adventuress whom 
he has married in secret ere leaving New York. 

We must leave it to the future, and work it out 
on a new plan. In some way Eobert Hammond’s 
eyes must be opened to the perfidy of the charmer 
who has cast a spell upon him. 


THE VESTH3ULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


69 


CHAPTER VIII. 

EVIDENCE TOSSED OVERBOARD. 

Just as I expect, the old violinist presently makes 
his way back to the smoking compartment and 
joins me. 

“Well?” 

It is only one word, but when spoken with such 
peculiar emphasis means a great deal. 

I begin and tell Colonel Acton all that has 
taken place between Hammond and myself, and 
when he learns how the young man persists in 
believing Evangeline pure and honest, in the midst 
of such desperate rascals, he — well, he says some- 
thing naughty which shocks my Quaker ears. 

It is exasperating to find a sensible man thus 
making such a fool of himself, and I don’t blame 
the colonel for showing temper. Had Robert dis- 
closed even ordinary wisdom and prudence we 
might have been able at this time to have given 
the clique due warning that unless they let him 
severely alone and made tracks from Chicago, 
arrest would follow. As it is, they still have the 
best of us. 

What can be done? 

In the morning, the plotters will be astonished to 
find Robert alive and well, but his explanation will 
satisfy them that he took an overdose, causing him 
to lose the poison before it could get to work. 

They will simply make up their minds that it 
must be tried again. 


60 . THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

Under these circumstances we will also have our 
work over, and perhaps the second time may not 
be so successful in saving the young man’s life. 

“ If he suffers eventually, it will be his own fault. 
You did your work well, Craig, and I am proud of 
it. Was there ever such a stupid mess — deliver me 
from a bright young man made foolish by a pretty 
face.” 

“Ditto, there, colonel,” I echo, “it’s about as hard 
to manage him as a drunken man.” 

“ By the way, I have had quite a little adventure 
myself, while you were here.” 

“ Indeed !” 

I cannot conceive what he means, for an adven- 
ture in a sleeping car can hardly be of a thrilling 
nature. 

“You remember the man opposite me?” 

“Ah! the race-track sharp?” 

“You didn’t take to him.” 

“Great Scott! is he in the game too?” 

Acton nods his head and smiles. 

“He has an interest in two of the characters.” 

“Meaning Andrews and the charming Ann 
Reilly.” 

“ Exactly. He has come all the way across the 
big pond to find them.” 

“From Scotland Yard, colonel?” 

“Yes. He’s no other than Sergeant Billings — 
you’ve head of him.” 

“I have, indeed, and will be glad to meet him 
again. I had quite a little adventure in his com- 
pany in London when bound around the world 
some years ago; but I never once suspected his 
identity.” 

“No, he’s well fixed up.” 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEEY. 


61 


‘‘How did you come to address him?” 

“ It came about gradually. Each of us saw that 
the other was interested in these people. He noticed 
me give you that novel and while I was in here got 
hold of it, and saw what I had written on the fly- 
leaf about the Jew. Then he ventured to address 
me, and we Anally proved our identity. While you 
have been engaged with Hammond, we have been 
talking business.” 

“You say he follows these people?” 

“Yes, he has a mission — something they did on 
the other side. I believe the girl married a lord and 
made way with something belonging to him, either 
jewels or valuable papers. At any rate, Billings is 
after them.” 

“ She married a lord ; if Robert could only learn 
that his infatuation would cease. Do you know 
whether this man has any proofs?” 

“ I believe he has — her English photograph with 
the name Ann Reilly written out, also the news- 
paper accounts of her daring escapades in the tight 
little isle. She was playing hob with them all, and 
the country breathed easier when she emigrated to 
America.” 

“Jove! she’s a wonderful creature, and if she lives 
ten years, the record of her life will read like the 
“Arabian Nights.” Ruin and misery must follow in 
her path; I pity all who are charmed by her bright 
eyes.” 

“Take care yourself, Craig. Each man believes 
he is the one who has won her; that all others are 
her victims, but in him she has found her match. 
Do not let her enslave you.” 

The solemn manner in which the colonel says this 
causes me to laugh. 


62 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


“ 1 don’t believe there is much danger ; my heart 
is iron-bound this long time,” I declare. 

“ Glad to hear that, Craig. Stick to it, man. If 
it comes to a pinch I believe she’d endeavor to make 
a fool of the party engaged in running her clique 
down.” 

‘‘Another thought strikes me, colonel.” 

“ Well, out with it before you lose it.” 

“ It concerns another party connected with this 
case, and whom you failed to tell me about.” 

“ Ah ! Sister Therese !” 

“The nun.” 

“What do you want to know about her?” 

“ Who is she?” 

“Robert Hammond’s sister.” 

“Is she really a nun?” 

“ I do not think so, though I have only seen her 
twice. The first time she came to the office and 
appeared as a fashionable New York woman. The 
second time, and most unexpectedly, was on the 
train.” 

“You didn’t look for her here?” 

“Never dreamed of it, but soon guessed her iden- 
tity. Robert did not mention her, or speak as 
though he had recognized her, I suppose?” 

“No, but he has guessed that we are working in 
the interest of his family.” 

“That would be easy for him.” 

“ I presume, colonel, it was his sister you made 
the engagement with?” 

“Yes, though his father is still living. They feel 
this thing deeply, and as their eyes are not blinded 
by love as are Robert’s, they can see what is patent 
to others.” 

“Does she know of his marriage?” 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


63 


“I reckon not.” 

“That will shock her.” 

“Undoubtedly, Craig. But women are queer 
creatures — you never know how to take ’em.” 

“Ah! you speak from experience, colonel.” 

“Yes, I’ve got the dearest little wife at home, as 
you know, and yet there are times when she is a 
puzzle to me — she has fits of the blues, and makes 
up for it by an exuberance of spirits. By Jove! 
Craig, no man can understand the vagaries of a 
woman’s soul ; and yet they are the blessing of life, 
God knows. What would we do without them? I 
often compare my wife to a magnetic needle I’ve 
seen in a ship’s compass — quivering under the 
least motion, perhaps swaying a little right or left, 
but always returning true north. She’s as reliable 
as that needle in the compass.” 

I like to hear the colonel talk like this, for I have 
very tender memories of the dear mother, long 
gone, and my ideas of women are very much in the 
same strain as his. I know what their weakness is 
and again I appreciate their worth. 

No one has ever heard Duncan Craig, old bachelor 
that he is, rail against the sex. I pity those who 
do, for I know they must have had a wretched type 
of a mother. 

There is nothing more to be done at present, since 
those we watch have retired. I am just about to 
suggest to the colonel that we follow their example, 
and get some sleep while the Vestibule Limited 
booms along toward Pittsburgh when a new party 
appears on the scene. 

This is the horse fancier. 

He has come to the toilet department to get a 


64 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY, 


drink of water, and mix something in it, as an in- 
ducement to sleep. 

Acton calls him into the smoker, and introduces 
us. Billings catches the name at once. 

“Duncan Craig, did you say. Bless my soul, I’ve 
met the man before!” he exclaims, as he clutches 
my hand earnestly. 

Laughing, I tell him where, and of course we sit 
down to talk over old times again. An hour flies 
before we are aware of it, and when the colonel 
excuses himself, we realize that the earlier half of 
the night is pretty well spent. 

So we part and seek our respective berths. 

Kemoving my shoes, I clamber aloft as softly as 
possible. The berth is comfortable enough to suit 
the most fastidious, but I am one of those unfortu- 
nates who get little sleep when on a journey. 

At any rate, I can lie there and rest, while my 
thoughts are busy. The steady motion of the train 
assists me in wooing the gentle goddess, and I 
Anally drop off in a doze. If it had been an ordi- 
nary train, each stop at a station would have 
aroused me. As it is I sleep an hour or more. 

We reach Pittsburgh, and, being awake, I drop 
down, pull on my shoes, don my coat and hat, and. 
step out, to view the depot. 

The say is not very long, and with the cry of “all 
aboard” I again mount the steps and pass into the 
vestibule. I remain up until we have crossed the 
river, and then once more mount to my berth. 

This is the way I generally pass a night while en 
route. If I have more than one on the trip I sleep 
better on each succeeding night until at the end of 
a week my slumber is peaceful enough. 

When I look at my watch again, it is half-past 


I’lli: VESTIBULE LIMITED MVSTEBV. 

three, and I sigh with satisfaction to see that the 
larger part of the night has gone. At intervals, the 
train makes furious time, I am sure a mile a minute, 
and I fairly hold my breath as we fly along. 

As before, that intolerable thirst comes to me. I 
resist for quite a while, but my mouth and throat 
seem so parched that I can stand it no longer, so I 
get down from my berth, and pass along between 
the curtains to where the ice-water is to be found, 
not forgetting to take the Jamaica ginger with me. 

There is no movement in the lower berth, and I 
imagine Robert Hammond must be sleeping sound- 
ly. I quite envy the fellow and wish I could follow 
suit, little realizing what that might mean. 

Once in the lavatory I allow some water to pass 
into a glass, add the few drops of ginger, and seat 
myself upon the stool near by. It will do no good 
to gulp the water down ; in order to quench that 
thirst I allow the contents of the glass to trickle 
along my throat. 

It is not far from daylight, and we are making 
things hum over the level stretches on the way to 
Fort Wayne. 

The porter is abroad, and will soon be afc work 
polishing the shoes of the inmates of the El Dorado. 
I hear him in the smoking compartment utter an 
exclamation. Then he comes into view, holding 
the grape basket. 

“Bress my soul, if de pore little mouser ain’t done 
gone dead I” he says, lifting out the defunct cat 
tenderly. 

My conscience reproaches me for having been the 
cause of the wretched animal’s demise, but I re- 
member that it was to save a human life, and that 
eases the strain. I would like to make it up to the 


66 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEEY. 


fellow in some way, but dare not tell him I killed 
the cat, for fear lest he may become suspicious. 
Hence, I determine that when leaving the car, I 
will give him a fee to open his eyes and make him 
think I am a Russian duke traveling incog. 

I am gratified to see him take the dead cat and 
toss it outside, basket and all. Thus all evidence of 
my work is destroyed. 

“ Better luck, Sam, next time you try to smuggle 
a menagerie into Chicago,” I say. 

“Hope so, sail,” he replies, showing his ivories, 
and beginning on a pair of boots. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


67 


CHAPTER IX. 

AN AWFUL DISCOVERY. 

It is still dark outside. 

The stars shine overhead ; I can see them as I 
glance out of the window. At the same time we 
pass through quite a town with a clanging of the 
eng;ine bell, hardly slackening our tremendous 
speed. I catch fugitive glimpses of lamps on the 
street, fed by the natural gas that has been crop- 
ping up all over this region, see a few houses, all of 
which appear dark and deserted at this hour, and 
then we rush out upon the open land again with 
accelerated speed. 

This traveling on the Limited express is a thrill- 
ing experience, even to an old tourist, when one sits 
down to realize what tremendous forces are in- 
voked to speed across nearly a thousand miles in 
twenty -three hours, over a great mountain chain, 
through deep valleys, along majestic rivers and 
over broad prairies. 

One morning you breakfast in New York, and a 
little after nine o’clock on the next day you take 
your morning meal in the great metropolis of the 
West. 

To a novice it must be a revelation indeed, this 
annihilation of time and space, surrounded by all 
the luxuries money can buy or the craft of man 
invent. 

As there is no use in my remaining up any longer, 
I again seek that lofty berth. I do not expect to 


68 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEBY. 


sleep, but somehow sink into slumber, and fail to 
awaken until long after daybreak. This surprises 
me, and I remember that the first thing I do upon 
discovering what a march I have stolen upon time 
is to chuckle. 

It is really nearly eight o’clock by my time. I 
forget that Central time is an hour later, as we 
changed at Pittsburgh, and believe I will have only 
a good chance to get fixed up ere we draw near 
Chicago. 

As I clamber down from the upper berth, I glance 
in to see if Hammond has arisen. The shades of 
the window are drawn, but I can see him lying on 
his side, the back of his head toward me. Keally 
he is a champion sleeper, and would make a good 
traveler. Had 1 been in his shoes I should have 
found myself unable to get a wink of sleep, with so 
much pressing on my mind. 

Shoes and coat in hand I betake myself to the 
gentlemen’s end of the sleeper, and proceed to make 
my toilet. I find the actor there, and have to wait 
until the commercial drummer is, through ere I can 
get a basin in which to dash the sleep from my eyes 
with a liberal application of cold water. 

It feels very grateful to me indeed; I know of 
nothing that will freshen a man up better after a 
weary night’s ride on a train than such a shock to 
the system as is produced by ice-cold water, fol- 
lowed by a liberal application of the coarse towel, 
which, unfortunately, is seldom found on a sleeper. 

Talking with the actor, I pass some time away, 
and set my watch by Central time. When it marks 
eight, I glance in to see if my berth has been made 
up. 

All the others in the car are but section four, and 


i 

"^HE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 69 

here the curtains still hang from the bar above. 
Kobert is certainly enjoying his sleep. 

It is a habit with some persons who are apt to be 
sick after rising in the morning, to remain in their 
berth until almost at their journey’s end — provided 
that destination is reached by a reasonable morning 
hour. Hence, the porter does not disturb Robert. 
It is no unusual thing to see a section thus left until 
the last half-hour. The porter keeps an eye on it, 
as he desires to have his car all made up when 
arriving. 

I return again to the smoker, where a few parties 
are indulging. Breakfast can be had in the dining- 
car. Some go iii while others, having no appetite, 
prefer to wait and enjoy a meal upon a solid 
foundation. 

The level prairie greets the eye as we fly along, 
and a monotonous spectacle it is. Here and there 
we see farms, with great stacks of hay, and the 
corn in the shock through acre after acre. 

I have something of the hunter in my veins, and 
notice a covey of quail drawing the attention of the 
Englishmen to the spot just before the birds drop to 
the corn-field again. They enjoy the spectacle, and 
immediately talk ‘‘shop,” anticipating great sport 
among the wild fowl of the North-west, until I 
almost envy them. 

I find them agreeable company, and no doubt 
astonish them with my Quaker tongue and stirring 
reminiscences by field and flood during years gone 
by, when I had more ambition to shoot than at 
present. The two things do not harmonize, but 
they seem to enjoy my company, and I kill time. 

A quarter after eight and we are due in Chicago 
at nine. 


70 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

Confound the fellow, will he ever wake up? 

I never knew such a sleeper. 

Perhaps the drug given him from time to time, to 
weaken his mind and make him more of a slave to 
the charms of the adventuress, has caused him to be 
unusually drowsy. 

Well, let him sleep. 

I can get the small valise I carry, at the last. 

Andrews and his charming daughter have gone 
in to get breakfast. 

I wonder how they feel this morning? As they 
pass me coming back, I try to read their faces. 

The man shows no concern, but upon the girPs 
countenance I detect an uneasy expression. She 
has played many a desperate game for money ere 
now, but this is probably the first time she has been 
concerned in the taking of a human life. In time 
she will no doubt be equal to anything, but it gives 
her a little qualm of conscience — providing she has 
such a commodity. 

I feel a little sorry for the girl. 

Perhaps it is because she possesses such a be- 
witching face ; I would not like to say otherwise. 
Then I remember how it was her hand from whom 
young Hammond received that deadly drug. 

That hardens my heart toward her. She has 
doomed him to a terrible death, the man whose 
greatest fault was in loving her, not wisely but too 
well. A curse be upon that fair head ; it is like the 
flashing will-o’-the-wisp, that leads men astray in 
the night, hovering here, enticing them on, and 
finally drawing them to the swamp of destruction. 

Her victims will be counted by scores ere her 
wicked reign is over. I grow to hate her beauty 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 71 

more and more, even while strangely attracted 
by it. 

When she brushes the curtains of section four, in 
passing to her seat, how a shudder must shoot 
through her frame, to believe that just beyond them 
lies the stiff and cold body of her victim. Of course 
neither of them suspect the truth or that Robert 
lives. 

In imagination I see their utter astonishment 
when he appears. I chuckle at the very thought of 
the consternation that must come upon the con- 
spirators. 

Their plans will be changed considerably. 

When all ready to exhibit grief and surprise, over 
the body of the supposed suicide, they must en- 
deavor to control the feeling of bitter disappoint- 
ment over his awakening. 

I slip into the car, and find a seat beside Colonel 
Acton, who has his beloved violin in his hands, and 
still carries out the character of the old violinist. 

We wait for the denouement. 

Meanwhile I amuse myself in watching the vari- 
ous persons interested in this mystery of the Vesti- 
bule Limited. 

There is the Jew, for instance— as the dreadful 
moment draws near, when he is to act his part in 
the drama, he grows very nervous. I see him clasp 
his hands and twist his fingers about, while his eyes 
are almost involuntarily drawn to the mirror facing 
him, as he watches to see when the awful discovery 
is made. 

He is about to earn his share of the blood money, 
and is nerved for the work. I know the kind of 
man Samuels is— there are many leeches in New 
York like him. 


72 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERV. 

1 turn my eyes upon the nun. 

She does not dream of the awful fate hovering 
over the head of her brother, but I can see she is 
worried because he does not make his appearance. 

Once or twice she half rises as though tempted to 
go to him ; but remembering the character she has 
assumed, she sinks back in her seat again with a 
weary expression or gesture. 

What if we had not divined the intentions of the 
evil plotters, and their game had been allowed to 
go on to its awful end — this faithful sister must 
have received a terrible shock. 

I believe the colonel has a plan arranged, but he 
has not seen fit to take me into his confidence as 
yet, and I can only wait, possessing my soul in 
patience. 

Our time is short now. 

We draw near the outskirts of the great city on 
the lake. It wants only about twenty minutes of 
the hour when we ought to arrive in the depot, and 
the conductor has assured us that we are on time. 

Soon there must be a stir. 

Several times the porter has poked his head in, 
and glanced uneasily at section four. 

He desires to make it up, and is puzzled at the 
idea of a man remaining so long in his berth — had 
it been a woman his surprise might not have shown 
itself. 

We have made a marvelous run of it, and the end 
is near; but the drama that has been conducted on 
board the fast flying Limited will be transferred 
elsewhere. The men who are at the head of the 
conspiracy for a million will not acknowledge them- 
selves beaten because their plans fail to succeed in 
the first instance. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 73 

The fertile brain in which was conceived this 
cunning plot, is rich in expedients, and must soon 
arrange another scheme to accomplish the same 
end, which it will surely do unless Acton and myself 
intervene. 

Ah ! the porter can stand it no longer. He is 
coming down the aisle with a grim look upon his 
black face, and evidently means to arouse the sound 
sleeper by telling him we are in Chicago, and he 
must get up. 

Those opposite do not seem to understand that 
this is his object; or it may be they desire the 
others in the sleeper to realize that they are getting 
anxious. 

‘‘Porter!” calls the honorable Colonel Larz An- 
drews, with a wave of his hand. 

“Yes, sah!” 

The colored functionary bends his head and keeps 
his itching palm ready for any possible tip, for now 
is the season of his great anxiety, as he will reap 
the rewards of his labor. 

“We are near Chicago?” 

“ Be dar in about fifteen minutes— now eight-forty- 
five,” responds the lackey. 

“ Ah ! then I wish you would arouse our young 
friend yonder. I’m afraid he isn’t well— he com- 
plained last night of his headache. Tell him he 
must get up, porter.” 

“Yes, sah,” grins the darky, as he pockets a piece 
of silver— all this has been spoken in a purposely 
loud tone, and every one on board the sleeper El 
Dorado hears. 

The porter unfastens the heavy curtains and 

pokes his head and shoulders into the berth, I can 


74 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

hear one of the shades fly up on springs as he lets it 
go. 

Then suddenly there is a commotion ; the porter 
jumps back with his eyes bulging from his head 
and his trembling Anger pointing to the berth. 

“Gorry!” he ejaculates, “de young gent am 
deadl” 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


75 


CHAPTER X. 

“IS HE DEAD?” 

The scene that follows almost beggars descrip- 
tion ; in all my life I have never witnessed a more 
thrilling situation, and I have been on a wrecked 
train, on board a sinking ocean vessel, and in other 
places of like interest where people show excite- 
ment. 

Women shriek and men utter exclamations. 

As for myself, I feel a cold shudder permeate my 
whole system when I hear the startling declaration 
of the negro porter, and see the look of horror upon 
his black face. 

Robert dead ! 

Good Heaven ! how can such a thing have oc- 
curred? When last I saw him he was in good 
health. I witnessed him empty the vial of the 
poison, and although he mechanically put it back 
in his pocket, its contents had been drained through 
the basin’s escape pipe. Then it seems out of the 
question that he can have taken any of the stuff. 

I look at Acton, and he returns the glance, as if 
to say in words : 

“ What in the duse does this mean — have we been 
outwitted after all?” 

Then both of us spring to our feet and press 
toward the center of the car. 

I glance naturally in the direction of the honor- 
able colonel and Evangeline. The girl acts her part 


?6 ^HE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERV. 

with amazing cleverness. Her face is pale, her eyes 
wide open with a look of horror, and she seems to 
be gasping — indeed, as we draw near them I hear 
her exclaim in what must be a piteous tone : 

“ Not dead ! not dead ! it cannot be— my poor, poor 
Eobert. I will not believe it ! No! no!” 

As for the colonel, he seems to be wholly con- 
cerned with the girl, begging her to compose her- 
self, and acting just as a solicitous father should 
over his dear child. Keally those in the car, not in 
the secret, must feel very much for the couple. 

A number have already crowded the narrow aisle 
where the porter still stands. There is the manager 
and actor, the commercial traveler, the gentleman 
from section six, who is with two Chicago ladies, 
the Englishmen, and last but not least, Acton and 
myself. 

No hand is daring enough to drag aside the heavy 
curtains of the section until I grasp them and say 
to the porter : 

“Unhook these, man.” 

Then I part them and thrust my head and shoul- 
ders into the berth. The broad glare of light falls 
upon Robertas face, for in attempting to arouse 
him, the porter has turned him upon his back. It 
looks white, but his eyes are shut, and this gives 
me an idea he is not yet dead. 

I feel his head — it is cold. 

Then I raise an arm; when I let it go, it falls 
like a stone. 

Next I tear open his vest— he has kept it on — and 
place my hand over his heart. There is a little 
warmth here, but ah, so little, and I believe I can 
feel it faintly beat— just the softest throb in the 
world. 


THE VESTIBUtii: LIMITED MYSTERY. 77 

Another mystery confronts me— how came Robert 
Hammond in this condition, when, as I believe, I 
had removed all immediate danger from his path 
by inducing him to destroy the contents of that 
little vial? 

Vague fancies flash through my mind in the 
minute of time that I stand there, bending over the 
almost lifeless man. I wonder if this plotter across 
the way, fearing lest the original plan might not 
turn out well, can have bent over Robert in the 
night and have given him some subtle poison to 
bring about this result? 

It does not seem plausible that he would dare risk 
discovery; but then I cannot account for strange 
notions that may creep into my head at such a time. 

I have just backed out of the berth — a number of 
anxious, horror-stricken faces are peering in since 
the porter has removed the curtains — when a loud 
voice exclaims: 

‘‘Stand back, please; I am a doctor!” 

Ah I it is Samuels. 

The Jew concerned in the game is now about to 
play his little part, according to the programme 
already arranged. I give way without a word, for I 
want to watch him. 

A glance around, as I note Acton's absence, 
shows me that worthy in the seat with the nun. 
Perhaps she — Robert’s sister — has fainted, and he 
has flown to her side. They seem to be eagerly 
talking now, however. I have no time to note more, 
my attention being riveted upon Doctor Samuels. 

When he reaches the berth, he puts on a pair of 
glasses that give him even more of a learned look 
than ever. Then he gravely bends over the still 


78 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

white form and examines the face, even opeiii. ^ 
the mouth. 

It is a scene I shall never forget— the fast trail, 
booming along in a cloud of dust as we cross streets, 
the anxious minutes of the sleeper, and this vener- 
able old rogue of an Israelite bending over poor 
Hammond. 

Then I see him feel about the body, searching 
the vest-pockets. As I expect, he finds in one the 
empty vial that contained the opiate Robert Ham • 
mond did not take. Upon this he pounces with the 
eagerness shown by a cat when it discovers a 
mouse. 

“Ah! now we have it, I think,” he says. 

Drawing the cork, he holds the vial to his nose, 
and smells of the odor ; then, as if not fully satis- 
fied, he places it on his tongue to taste of it, and it 
is really ridiculous to see the look of alarm on his 
face, and note the eagerness with which he cleanses 
his tongue. 

“Gentlemen, I recognize all the symptoms of 
poisoning in this unfortunate young man, and here 
we have the means — arsenic. I have no doubt he has 
committed suicide, perhaps when out of his mind.” 

Those standing near, utter exclamations of horror 
and sympathy, while the wretched Evangeline, in 
the opposite section, carries on in quite a hysterical 
fashion. 

I “Is he dead?” asks one of the Englishmen. 

“ So near it that there is no hope. I will try and 
get something down his throat, but I assure you, 
gentlemen, it is quite useless.” 

Again he thrusts his long beard and head into the 
lower berth. I chance to look toward Acton, and 
catch a quick motion. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 79 

Obeying, I am instantly at his side. 

“What does Samuels declare is the matter?” he 
asks. 

“He says Mr. Hammond is dying — that he has 
taken arsenic in some liquid shape with the inten- 
tion of committing suicide.” 

“Does he hold out any chance of saving him?” 

“None.” 

“You and I know that is false, Mr. Craig. The 
Jew is simply carrying out his part of the agree- 
ment ; but he does not suspect where the contents 
of the little vial went.” 

“ But ” I begin, when Colonel Acton stops me 

short, for the puzzled look on my face tells him 
what I am about to say. 

“You wonder what ails Robert. I can tell you.” 

This pleases me. 

I have been dreadfully worried lest after all these 
plotting rascals have gotten the better of us, and 
something in the face of Acton tells me this is 
not so. 

“ I have been talking with Robert’s sister about 
the matter, and she tells me he has been subject to 
a peculiar periodical fit of this kind ever since child- 
hood. They are apt to come on about once a year, 
and then only after some period of great excite- 
ment. 

“ She says she has known him to lie in a state of 
coma, like one dead, and then to rise up from it as 
bright as a button, just as though the affair acted 
upon his mind and gave his brain a yearly clear- 
ing up. 

“ His case has been a source of wonder to physi- 
cians in a quiet way. His sister declares that one 
of those fits has come upon him during the night, 


80 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

and that is so plausible a reason for his condition 
that I am fain to accept it.” 

On my part I grasp it eagerly. 

I can see a good chance to beat the enemy at their 
own game. Quickly we decide what is to be done. 
Robert’s sister, Therese, as she calls herself, has 
courage enough to act a part. 

She will go forward, and claim the privilege of 
watching beside the sick man, as a Sister of Mercy 
or some such order. 

Under such circumstances men will give way to 
any one seeming to possess some authority, and 
thus Therese can manage matters to suit herself. 

There is no time to spare. 

Ten minutes have glided away since the awful 
discovery of Robert’s condition was made, and we 
are passing through the streets of Chicago, bound 
for the depot. 

The sister glides forward, and announces to the 
few still gathered round the berth, that she will 
look after Robert — it is her duty. 

There is a rush for satchels and bags, overcoats 
and packages of all sorts, for we are even now 
almost at the depot, and although this terrible inci- 
dent has affected the travelers very much, they 
have their own affairs to think of. 

Evangeline still carries on in a hysterical manner, 
and her father can only leave her a minute to speak 
to the nun. I chance to be in the near vicinity at 
the time, and hear him say, with deep feeling : 

“ Here is my card. I have written Palmer House 
on it. Wherever you have him taken, let me know 
positively. We are deeply interested in his condi- 
tion, My child, you see, is almost out of her mind 


THE VESTIBULE LUVIITED MYSTERY. 81 

over it — I did not dream he was so dear to her. 
You will post us, madam?” 

The sister nods in reply, and Andrews turns away 
with a sigh of relief, as though he has accomplished 
his end. 

“Chicago!” calls out the porter. 

The train enters the depot. 

Mr. Acton manages to whisper a few words to the 
nun, as he passes. Then the long line of vestibuled 
cars stops. 

We have arrived on time to the minute. 

Once outside, we hover around. A crowd soon 
collects, for the news goes abroad that a man has 
committed suicide on the Limited, and this is such 
an astonishing piece of intelligence that every rail- 
way employee in the building comes running up. 

We see poor Robert carried out. The sister keeps 
close at his side. Outside a hack is secured, and 
into this the limp form of the young man and his 
attendant are placed. 

Then it drives away. 

Acton and I shake hands on the strange but ac- 
ceptable solution of our trouble. All has been dark 
and gloomy before us — Robert himself, in his mad 
infatuation, was the stumbling block that gave us 
the most trouble; and now fortune has removed 
him temporarily. 

The best part of it all is that his enemies do not 
dream but that what they state is the truth. They 
believe without the shadow of a doubt that Robert 
has swallowed the contents of the small vial of 
deadly arsenicum, and that probably before the 
charitable sister gets him to a hospital he will have 
stiffened out in death. What have they to fear?” 
Suspicion can never alight on them. 


82 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEKY. 


Robert bought the deadly liquid, and has to all 
appearances administered it with his own hand. A 
plainer case could not be made out. That, of course, 
is the way they look at it. We see the matter in 
another light ; people behind the scenes generally 
have a different conception of the stage perform- 
ance, from the audience. 

Fate, tired of aiding the conspirators of the Vesti- 
bule Limited, has played into our hands, and with 
such a good start it will indeed be strange if we 
cannot so manipulate the game as to bring their 
schemes to confusion. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEKY. 


83 


CHAPTER XI. 

IN THE HOSPITAL. 

Colonel Acton and myself engage a hack and are 
taken to a small hotel not a great way from the 
Palmer House. While in the vehicle, we change 
our appearance greatly, so that the Jehu stares in 
amazement when he let us out, not recognizing the 
men he took up. A fare is as good from one man as 
another, with these fellows, and he pockets his 
money with a grin. As he drives away, I see him 
look back with curiosity. 

We soon have a room, and presently go down to 
breakfast, discussing our business in low tones. I 
am no longer a Quaker, but present the appearance 
of a business man. Acton, on his part, pretends to 
be a commercial drummer, and I know from ex- 
perience in the past how well he can play his part 
in that character, telling yarns, singing songs, and 
driving imaginary sharp trades with his customers. 

After breakfast we sally forth. 

Each has work cut out for the morning, and if 
fortune favors us we will make good headway 
against Robert’s enemies. 

Acton heads for the Palmer House, to learn what 
the adventurer and his daughter are doing, as the 
game must center around them. 

On my part I make for the small hospital where 
Sister Therese was to take Robert. 

It is not always easy to accomplish what you 
want in these places— they have much red tape 


84 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTjEEY, 

about them ; but I imagine I know how to do the 
business if any one does. 

As I near the institution, I glance around from 
my natural habit of caution, and it proves fortunate 
indeed that I do so. Close beside the door there 
stands a man I immediately recognize. It is the 
Jew doctor — Samuels. 

I understand exactly how he came here, and the 
reason of his presence. He took a vehicle at the 
depot, and had it follow the hack containing Eobert 
and the sister, with the design of finding out just 
where the dying man was taken. 

As to his object, that is also manifest. 

The sister has promised Andrews to let him know 
where Eobert is, and his condition ; but the adven- 
turer is afraid lest she fail to do this, and Samuels 
is deputed to act the spy. 

No doubt the Jew has been promised a snug sum 
when he can bring the news of Eobert’s death to 
his employer, and he is loitering' around with the 
hope of hearing this fact, not daring to enter the 
building lest his true character as a charlatan be 
discovered. 

I pass in. 

A little management removes the difficulty at the 
entrance. It is wonderful how much can be accom- 
plished by a tip, judiciously bestowed. I have 
seldom had trouble in doing just about as I wanted, 
when some austere guardian stood in the way. He 
might resent money thrown at him, but slipped 
confidingly into his hand wtih a few soft words, it 
makes him melt, and he is your friend. 

Thus I am able to presently reach the cot where 
Eobert lies. It is in a small room away from the 


THE VESTIBULE LIMiTED MYSTEllY. 85 

general ward* This has been accomplished by his 
sister, who pays for the privilege. 

As I enter the room a physician is bending over 
the cot. No doubt Robert’s condition puzzles him 
greatly, just as it has done others. 

“Most remarkable,” I hear him say, and then he 
asks a few questions. 

Therese has seen me, and although not recog* 
nizing the Quaker in the smart-looking business 
man, I assure her of my identity by means of a 
signal already agreed on. The smile that flits over 
her pale but handsome face assures me that I am 
understood. 

I am somewhat interested in this sister of Rob- 
ert’s, astonished at her sagacity, and pleased to see 
how well she plays her part. A New York society 
girl is she — well, I have had a very poor idea of 
these creatures in the past but must change it from 
this time on. Yes, Therese is a remarkable woman. 
Mentally, as she sits there conversing earnestly 
with the doctor, I compare her with the adven- 
turess. The one fascinates as a rattlesnake might, 
the other draws out my admiration on account of 
her womanly qualities. 

Then something else interests me. I find myself 
looking more and more closely at the doctor. He is 
a man of not more than thirty, with a full brown 
beard and a well-shaped head. There is something 
about him familiar to me, and yet I am puzzled. It 
cannot be possible, and still a thought will creep 
into my brain. 

Ah ! she speaks his name, and now I know I am 
right. Then the doctor turns as if to leave the 
room, which brings him face to face with me. He 
looks at me inquiringly. 


86 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEKY. 


I hold out my hand. 

“Doctor Ranzy, I am glad to meet you again,” I 
say, with a smile. 

“Ah! you have the advantage of me,” he replies, 
gravely. 

“ Tatters!” 

The mere mention of this singular name causes 
his face to light up wonderfully. He steps forward 
and seizes my hand. 

“Can it be possible I see my old friend Duncan 
Craig again? Yes, but how changed you are! I 
should never have known you.” 

“That is just it, my boy. You remember what 
my business is. I don’t want people to know me. 
But how are you? What kind fortune has brought 
you to this hospital just now!” 

“You knew I was a doctor, sir?” 

“Yes, but it has been some time since I heard 
from you.” 

“ The more shame to me, but I have long been 
hoping to run on and see you. I was appointed 
physician in charge of this hospital some months 
ago; so you see I am rising in the world. Your 
work paid, Mr. Craig.” 

Turning to the lady in nun’s attire, he says: 

“Miss Hammond, this is the best friend I have 
ever found in this world — a big-hearted man who 
took me out of the gutter as a boy, in 'New York, 
and gave me a start in the world. For sixteen 
years I have never let a day pass without calling 
down the blessings of Heaven upon the head of 
Duncan Craig.” 

“Hold on, doctor,” I manage to say; “you give me 
too much credit. A boy with your spirit was sure 
to get along anyhow, and I happened to be the first 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


87 


round of the ladder by means of which you were 
destined to mount upward. As to Miss Hammond, 
we have met before.” 

“ Indeed!” 

“I am concerned in her brother’s welfare.” 

“Ah 1 you were on the Limited from New York — 
I see now.” 

“She has told you the facts?” 

He bows toward the lady. 

“Miss Hammond has been kind enough to explain 
it all to me. I received word that a young man had 
taken poison and was dying, and expressed my 
great surprise at his peculiar condition, when she 
was pleased to remove the vail of mystery. You 
need not fear but that the secret will be safe with 
me, and perhaps I may be in a condition to aid 
you.” 

I have no doubt of it, and thank the lucky acci- 
dent that brings us together. 

“ I wish to talk with you in a few minutes, doctor,” 
I remark. 

“Very good, sir.” 

He turns to go, but I request that he wait for me. 

“How is Robert?” I ask, of his sister. 

“ Just the same. He will lie like this for a period 
of from twelve to twenty hours, and then, unless I 
am mistaken, come out of it in his right mind.” 

“You are not concerned seriously about his condi- 
tion, Miss Hammond?” 

“ I have seen him this way so often that, although 
it always gives me a shock, it does not alarm me.” 

I make a few inquiries, and then turn to the 
physician. He is such a fine-looking fellow, that 
my heart warms with the thought that I have been 
instrumental in making him what he is. 


88 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEBY. 

Together we leave the'room, passing through the 
dormitory where a number of sufferers lie on cots, 
and are attended by prim-looking nurses, with 
black gowns, white aprons, and caps. 

The doctor leads me to his private room. 

Accident has thrown a chance in my way, and I 
do not mean to miss it. 

I When we are comfortably seated, I begin to tell 
the doctor the whole story. What he has heard 
from Miss Hammond has been only a fragment, but 
it has served to whet his curiosity, and he listens 
eagerly while I speak. 

Once or twice he interrupts me to ask some ques- 
tion. It always concerns the medical part of the 
affair— how Robert acted— what appearance the 
wretched animal had after dying from the dose, 
and such things. 

When I finish, the doctor bends over and seizes 
my hand which he squeezes heartily. I could make 
him wince with my grip, but I forbear, reserving 
that power for confidence men. 

“ This is a most remarkable case, Mr. Craig, and 
I am deeply interested. For your sake and also to 
benefit Robert’s sister, I would be glad to have a 
hand in it if you would tell me how I can be of 
assistance.” 

I take him up on the spot, as it has always been a 
motto of mine to strike while the iron is hot. 

‘‘ There is a chance for you to help us now, doctor.” 

“State it, please.” 

“You remember my speaking about a man calling 
himself Doctor Samuels?” 

“Yes.” 

“He is outside the door.” 

The rascal ! What does he want?” 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEKY. 


“He must have followed the hack containing 
Robert and his sister.” 

“ Ah ! I begin to comprehend. Then he hopes to 
hear of the young man’s death.” 

“That is it, exactly.” 

“It is a pity we can’t oblige him, Mr. Craig.” 

“Doctor, we must.” 

He rubs his hands together. 

“You mean to deceive him?” 

“Yes, let him believe Robert is dead, and he will 
carry the news to those people at the Palmer.” 

“ But if I go and tell him this fact, his suspicions 
will be aroused.” 

“ I do not mean to have you do anything of the 
sort. There are other ways of accomplishing the 
same thing.” 

“Ah! you were always fertile in expedients.” 

“ Nonsense. It is my business. If it was a matter 
of surgery I am sure you would grasp it without 
trouble.” 

“ True. What is the plan ?” 

“I will tell you. We must walk out together, and 
I will play the part of reporter for a daily paper, 
taking down some notes as you give them.” 

“Excellent.” 

“This Samuels will be close by, and his ears are 
long enough to catch all we say. You shall tell me 
about Robert ; I will ask if he lived, and you declare 
he died just after being brought in.” 

“I will do it, Mr. Craig.” 

We talk a little longer. Of course, meeting “Tat- 
ters” in this singular way calls up many reminis- 
cences of the past, and I would dearly love to talk 
about them ; but this is not the time or place for 
such things. 


90 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


We arrange to meet again and have a friendly/ 
chat ; I am deeply interebted in the doctor, and hope 
for his success in life. Judging the man from his 
past, I have no doubt that he will gain the topmost 
notch. The world needs such men in its ranks — 
they bring good with them wherever they come. 

At last I rise to leave him. 

As has been arranged, he accompanies me to the 
door, and passes outside, bare-headed. I have paper 
and pencil in m.y hand, and appear to be jotting 
things down in short-hand style. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


91 


CHAPTER XII. 

HOODWINKED. 

As I expect, the old Jewish doctor is standing 
near the entrance to the hospital. He has assumed 
an attitude as though waiting for a street car, upon 
seeing us approach. 

We pay no attention to him, and, although he 
does not look toward us I can see him start as we 
speak, and turn his ear directly in our quarter, 
drinking in every word. 

“Doctor, I am obliged to you for the informa- 
tion,” I say, aloud, “it will make me a column of 
interesting matter, and, you know, we poor devils 
of newspaper men are paid by the amount of news 
we furnish. Is there anything more of a striking 
nature occurring here?” 

“There’s the case of the young man who took 
poison on the New York and Chicago Limited, 
arriving this A. M.,” he replies. 

“Ah! tell me about it, please.” 

I prepare to write, and while he speaks, do suc- 
ceed in making many hieroglyphics upon my paper, 
though I imagine it would baffle the most intelligent 
short-hand correspondent to make head or tail of 
them. However, they serve the purpose for which 
they are intended, and deceive the listening doctor. 

My friend goes on to tell me how the tragic event 
occurred on board the train, and what caused the 
Sister of Mercy to have the suffering man brought 
here. 


92 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


He speaks of the kind fortune that caused such a 
friend for the suffering man to be near at hand. 

I am greatly interested, and ask for the name of 
the parties. He can only supply that of Kobert 
Hammond, but hints that there must be a warm 
attachment between the young man and the beauti- 
ful girl who carried on so in the Pullman sleeper 
when his condition was discovered. 

“ And how is the young man, doctor — will he re- 
cover?” I ask, finally — it is really amusing to see 
the listening Jew bend his head so that he may not 
lose a sound. 

The doctor shakes his head. 

“He is beyond recovery, Mr. Trott.” 

“What! the young man dead; then it is a Trag- 
edy of the Limited express,’ I must head it. When 
did he die, doctor?” 

“Shortly after they brought him in,” he replies, 
unblushingly ; “ after taking such a dose of deadly 
poison no man could live. I only wonder he held 
on to the vital spark so long, sir. A sad case, truly.” 

“Ah! we get used to them, doctor, you and I, in 
our business. We see a good deal of the rough side 
of life.” 

“True for you, Mr. Trott. There’s many a case 
brought into this building piteous enough to wring 
a heart of stone. But familiarity breeds contempt, 
and we must do our duty always.” 

“I am a thousand times obliged, doctor.” 

“Not at all, sir. Always glad to serve members 
of the press. They are bound to get the news some 
way and Ldo not like to see medical facts distorted, 
you know.” 

“Glad to return the favor some day. Good-day, 
doctor,” and I bow to him, 


THE 'N^STIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 93 

As I pass by the old Jew he turns, suddenly con- 
ceiving a notion. 

“ I beg your pardon, sir, but did the doctor say 
that young man brought here from the Limited ex- 
press, was dead?” he asks, lifting his hat, politely. 

I stop and look at him. 

“That was what he said, sir. Any relation of 
yours, may I ask?” and the pencil is taken from 
my pocket. 

The Jew shows alarm— the last thing he could 
wish would be to have his name published in con- 
nection with the tragedy. 

“ Oh ! no, indeed, sir. I heard of the case, and 
was interested — that is all,” he replies. 

“Oh! I was in hopes you might throw some light 
on the affair. It is such a deep mystery, you know, 
we would welcome facts.” 

“I know nothing.” 

With which remark he hastens down the street. 
Looking around once or twice, and seeing me ap- 
parently following him, he quickens his pace almost 
to a run, and reaching a street where a car is just 
passing, swings himself aboard. 

No doubt he believes himself safe from pursuit 
now, and so he may be for the present, but if I had 
anything to gain by it, I am positive I could put my 
hand on the Jew within half an hour. All that 
would be necessary would be for me to visit the 
great caravansary on State street, and ask to be 
shown to the suite of elegant apartments occupied 
by the English colonel, Larz Andrews, and his 
daughter. 

That is where the fellow is making for with all 
the speed that Chicago’s south-side cable road can 
take him. 


94 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEKY. 


I know full well, however, that my employer will 
look after that end of the line with benefit, so I do 
not worry at all, but proceed to the little hotel 
where we are registered under fictitious names. 

It is now nearly noon. 

The bracing fall air makes a man feel particularly 
good, and I am free to confess that I never appeared 
in better health in my life, despite the long journey 
just ended, and the events of the preceding night. 

Just at noon, Acton comes in. 

I see a little cloud on his face. 

He asks me how I get on, and I make a concise 
report. My success pleases him somewhat, for 
which I am glad. 

“Now ITl tell you what I have done, Craig. It 
was no trouble — hand me a match, please, to light 
up this cigar, which was given to me by Colonel 
Andrews himself — as I said, it was no trouble to 
find where they held out — the names were on the 
register. 

“ Singularly enough, I chose the same method as 
yourself for gaining my end ; I pretended to be the 
ever-present newspaper reporter, who, like charity, 
covers a multitude of sins.” 

At this I laugh — the colonel goes on. 

I was about to send up a card requesting an inter- 
view, when I espied the object of my solicitude 
coming down the stairs. 

“Ts that Colonel Andrews?^ I asked the clerk, 
and he replied in the affirmative. 

“Then I approached him, stated that I w^as a re- 
porter for the Neios, that it was mentioned he knew 
something about the terrible event of the Vestibule 
Limited, and that as all sorts of stories would soon 
be afioat, he would be wise to give me the true facts 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 95 

of the case, so that he would not be misrepresented 
in the matter. 

“ He seemed to have already made up his mind 
what to do in such an emergency, for without hesi- 
tation he took me into a corner of the reading-room 
where we would not be interrupted, and told me 
all — that is, all he desired the public to know. 

“Finally, he said something like this: 

“‘I always thought well of young Hammond, and 
will be grieved to hear of his death ; but I never, 
never dreamed of the truth until my poor child, in 
her anguish of spirit, told me in her room up stairs 
that Robert and she were secretly married in New 
York. She showed me documents to prove it — the 
marriage certificate, his will, made before we left 
New York, as though he half suspected that harm 
would come to him, and desired to protect her.^ 

“ Of course I pretended that this was mighty fine 
news for me and assured tfee old villain that I would 
do him justice in my account of the sad affair. He 
was very genial, wanted me to remain and take 
dinner, but I had other work to do, and declined. 

“ As I left him, I saw some one take my place in 
the chair, and recognized the Jewish doctor. After 
hearing your account it is easy to understand that 
he came to make his report. 

“Now, Craig, you are a handy man with a pen; I 
want you to write me up a little account of the 
affair, calculated to tell the truth and yet please 
Andrews. Wind it up by saying that a report has 
just been received that the young man died in the 
hospital.” 

“What is it for?” 

“Publication in the KewSy that sparkling little 
sheet Stone gets out.” 


96 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED M^TERY. 

‘‘But it will all be denied in the morning papers,” 
I venture. 

“Not so, for several reasons. In the first place 
your friend, the doctor, has given orders that no 
news shall be given out conceVning Kobert — that if 
any one asks he is to be told the young man is 
dead.” 

“That is true — I had forgotten.” 

“Then again, Craig, I used to be a newspaper 
man in my day, although more of a manager than 
a reporter or editor. I am known among the frater- 
nity. I shall drop around and see them all, and ask 
if they will promise to avoid all mention of the 
young man, beyond the account given in to-day’s 
News.^^ 

“Good!” I exclaim, “that will fix it.” 

“We only want to keep Andrews in ignorance a 
short time, until we can concoct a plan to paralyze 
the man and his cli^e. By the way, I met 
Billings.” 

“He is still on deck, then?” 

“Yes, and in the same character— stops at the 
Palmer, too. You know he promised not to show 
his hand in the game until we had given the word.” 

“Very considerate of the sergeant, too.” 

“Oh! well, you know a day or two doesn’t matter 
with him. They’ve led him a long chase as it is. 
Besides, Billings is a wily old chap — I suspect he’s 
up to the monkey and chestnut business with us.” 

“The duse you say.” 

“If we arrest this couple on some specific 
charge, such as attempted murder, he can have a 
chance to search their luggage for what he is after. 
As it is he is not sure they have it, and dares take 
no bold step without that certainty.” 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 97 

“I see. Well, Billings is a fine fellow, and if we 
can do him a good turn without much effort it will 
pay. Besides, we may yet find a chance to make 
him useful.” 

“That is just my idea to a dot. I learned some- 
thing from him to-day. You remember he said this 
girl had married a lord over there, and got away 
with some valuables, when she found his family 
would never recognize her?” 

“Yes.” 

“Well, that English lord is in Chicago— as I 
learned after leaving Billings — he is waiting for 
some friends ; I believe they are the two sports- 
men who came on with us.” 

“ They recognized the girl — one had been victim- 
ized by her to the tune of fifty pounds, but I did not 
hear either of them refer to her having deluded a 
young lord into marriage.” 

“Oh! that part of it was kept very quiet, Billings 
informs me. The English public know nothing 
about it. A liberal expenditure of gold will accom- 
plish wonders over there as well as here. But it is 
a fact, all the same, and the gentleman is in 
Chicago, though Andrews and his supposed daugh- 
ter do not dream of such a volcano slumbering 
under their feet.” 

I begin to see great possibilities in this thing. 

It even looks as though the threads of the story 
were being drawn together with a master-hand, far 
above any puny effort of our own, and that the 
grand finale will soon take place in a great blaze of 
light that must mark the downfall of villainy. 
Yes, all the world’s a stage, and queer plays are 
being acted every day, with real characters going 
through their parts. Too often, alas, vice triumphs, 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


SO far as mortal eyes can see, but the final victory 
may be beyond our ken. Now and again the drama 
is brought to a legitimate conclusion, and it is our 
intention to work the levers so that this case may 
be one of the few. 


/ 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


99 


CHAPTER XIII. 

AT THE PALMER HOUSE. 

I wonder, while looking at my employer and 
friend, what it is that troubles him. Accustomed 
to reading the signs on the human face I am posi- 
tive that he has found something to worry about, 
but I do not care to speak of it. If it concerns me 
he will mention it, surely. 

“ Do you know where this English lord is stopping 
in Chicago?” I ask, as a thought occurs to me. 

He observes me soberly. 

“No, but I imagine you would be apt to strike him 
at the Palmer. Nearly all of them stop there, you 
know. Besides, unless I am mistaken, I had a 
glimpse of one of our friends of the train, in the 
rotunda.” 

“ITl make a note of it, sir. I imagine we may 
have trouble with Robert even after he comes to 
his senses. If we could get this gentleman to acci- 
dentally make his acquaintance, and in the course 
of things show the photograph Billings has, an 
explanation would follow that must turn Robert’s 
love to contempt. As long as he believes Evangeline 
to be an angel, we cannot hope to bring about a 
rupture, but once let that idea be dissipated, and 
weTl have no trouble. A man like Robert Ham- 
mond will cling to a good woman through thick 
and thin, but he will have no respect for an adven- 
turess, who perjures herself with every caress she 
gives him, and finally attempts to take his life.” 


100 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

Acton nods his head. 

‘‘ What you say is good sound sense, my boy, and 
I don’t see any better plan ahead than to follow out 
one laid down on the lines suggested by your 
thought.” 

This is praise indeed from the colonel, who is 
generally very chary about such things; but we 
have fought side by side in the heat of the day, and 
borne the burdens of life together for years, so we 
understand one another pretty thoroughly. 

I sit down to write out a short and fitting article, 
giving a graphic account of the scene on board the 
famous Vestibule Limited, just before it reaches 
Chicago. When this is done, I hand it to Acton 
who suggests one or twa slight changes, which are 
soon made. I end the account with the laconic 
remark : 

“ The young man was taken to a hospital, and, it 
is reported, died soon after arriving.” 

Such an account as this must certainly please 
Andrews. No doubt the Jew doctor has. told him 
all about his meeting a reporter at the hospital, and 
magnified the importance of the interview that 
took place between the head surgeon and myself ; 
so the schemers will be looking for the issue of the 
afternoon paper containing the account. 

Taking the article with him Acton posts over to 
the publication office of the JSfeius, and knowing the 
man as I do, I have no doubt but that he will suc- 
ceed in getting it inserted. Then he has another 
task before him in visiting the offices of the Times, 
Tribune, and Inter -Ocean, Whether he will also be 
successful in these places is of course a problem ; 
but I do not fear. Colonel Acton is a wonderful 
man, and has a knack of accomplishing about all 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 101 

that he ever attempts— in fact, I never knew him to 
fail yet. 

Left to myself I saunter forth. 

There is no reason why I should not set the ball 
in motion at once, and I am sorry I did not learn 
the name of the young Englishman from Acton. 
However, I make my way to the Palmer House to 
see what can be picked up. 

It is a big place, where the artery of life throbs 
unceasingly ; people come and go, but there is al- 
ways a crowd. 

I delight in watching the faces of men and specu- 
lating upon their business, but just now I have 
other cares that engross my attention. 

Before long my search is rewarded. I see some 
one I know. 

Pushing forward I touch the horse fancier upon 
the arm ; he turns and looks at me, then frowns. 

“Well, sir, what do you want?” he asks. 

“ A few words in private. I have something of 
importance to tell you.” 

His face speaks of his surprise. 

“ The duse you say. Anything connected with the 
Chicago Jockey Club?” 

By this time I have led him off to a retired nook. 

“No, it is about Ann Reilly.”’ 

“Confusion! Craig, this is a beastly shame, to 
come it over me.” 

I shrug my shoulders at his reproaches, and pro- 
test that 1 have not intentionally deceived him. 
Then, without further delay, I plunge into the sub- 
ject that brought me here. 

“Sergeant Billings, I understand that the gentle- 
man whose family has employed you on this case— 


102 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

the youn^ lord whom this pretty adventuress mar- 
ried in England, is in Chicago.” 

“What! Lord Arthur here?” he exclaims. 

“You didn’t know it, then?” 

“Not I; but it would not be strange, for he is in 
America, and people drift to Chicago here as they 
do to Paris over the water.” 

“You have perfect confidence in me, sergeant?” 
I ask seriously. 

He looks amused. 

“What a question, Craig.” 

“I mean it. Would you be willing to trust some- 
thing with me for a short time — something you 
value highly?” 

“Jupiter Ammon! what do you mean?” 

“ The photograph of Ann Reilly and the papers 
relating to her escapade across the water, the mar- 
riage certificate, and clippings giving a portion of 
her life.” 

This time he frowns a little, but smiles in a good- 
natured way immediately after. 

“Ah! what would you do with them?” 

“Save Robert Hammond from the clutches of that 
beautiful she-fiend, and the devil’s league she has 
around her.” 

“Your purpose is a noble one, Craig, and the 
papers could not be used to a better advantage ; but 
before I say yes, positively, I would like to hear 
just how you intend to make use of them.” 

“Through Lord Arthur, probably.” 

“The duse you say!” 

“Have you any objections to their resting tempo- 
rarily in his hands?” 

“Oh! no. He has long since been cured of his 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


103 


passion for this beauty and is as anxious as his 
relatives to have the marriage annulled.” 

“Then you agree?” 

“On condition that nothing is lost. Of course the 
papers could be restored again, as we have a list of 
the files from which they were taken ; but that is 
quite a job. Promise me you will place every safe- 
guard around them, Craig.” 

I do this readily. 

The papers, together with the photograph, will be 
of immense value to me in this case. Through them 
I expect to convince Robert, in the first place, of the 
worthlessness of his charmer — to open his eyes to 
the fact that ke is but one of her many victims. 

If I can only succeed in doing this, I believe the 
young man may be saved against himself. It is a 
difficult and thankless task, that I have assunied, 
and I shall need every assistance possible. Sergeant 
Billings finally hands me over a small package, and 
after some further talk I leave him. Seeking a 
chance in the reading-room of the hotel, I open the 
envelope secured with rubber bands. Inside I find 
some newspaper clippings and a photograph. 

This latter, of course, engages my attention at 
once, and I gaze with considerable interest upon 
the features of that beautiful siren. There can be 
no mistake— two such faces do not exist upon the 
earth. 

On the back I find printed : 

“Ann Reilly, alias Gwendoline Larrimore, alias 
Marguerite Hemenway, alias Avis Moore, etc.; age 
eighteen; May, 188 —. London. Successful confi- 
dence operator.” 

That is enough in itself to tell the story. 

What will Robert say? I only hope that he will 


104 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MVsTERV, 

have recovered so much of his mind after the shock 
that has prostrated him as to be in a more sensible 
state than ever. 

The newspaper clippings I glance over, and dis- 
cover that this girl has created quite a panic among 
the good families of Great Britain, turning the 
heads of ail the young scions, and having a great 
time of it. \ 

All of which would prove interesting reading to 
me when I had leisure, but just now I merely 
glance over the accounts in order to glean their 
significance. 

Having put the packet carefully away in my 
inner coat-pocket, I remetnber the mission that 
brought me here. Is Lord Arthur stopping at the 
Palmer? 

My next task is to glance over the register and 
see if that will give me a clew. Possibly he may 
not have registered under his own name, for some 
of these English lords are made such victims of 
swindlers that they prefer to travel incog, through 
the States, especially when over here sight-seeing 
or for sport. 

Presently, I discover the names of two English 
gentlemen, as they have signed London, and the 
time of their arrival agreeing with the coming of 
the New York Limited, I have no doubt that 
they are the same gentlemen of the El Dorado. 

Glancing back still farther I find the name I seek 
—Arthur Trevellion — London. 

Turning to one of the clerks, I ask : 

‘‘Is Mr. Trevellion here still?” 

He replies in the affirmative. 

“I would like to see him if he is in.” 

“Write your name on a card, please,” returns the 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


105 


clerk, glancing toward the key-rack, and finding 
the one belonging to his room missing. 

“ Certainly.” 

Upon a card, with ink, I write my name, and 
underneath the words : 

“ Desire to see you with reference to the Reilly 
affair.” 

Then handing it to the clerk, I say : 

“Send that up to Mr. Trevellion, please.” 

I have no doubt he will see me, for just at present 
he is deeply interested in the matter I have men- 
tioned. As he .is a young man I have some hopes of 
his helping me. 

Still, it is a toss up as to whether he will be will- 
ing to do it, for fear of getting into a scrape of 
some kind, such as will compel him to appear in 
court. 

I hope for the best. 

If he agrees to aid me, Robert can be saved, I am 
certain. Should he refuse, I must change my plans, 
that is all. 

While waiting. Sergeant Billings chances to pass 
near me, and I call him over to tell him of my dis- 
covery. He is pleased to know Lord Arthur is under 
the same roof, and puts me up to a nice little 
wrinkle, which repays me for telling him the facts. 

If the young Englishman will help me, I promise 
to do my best to assist Billings in his endeavor to 
get the papers from the girl. She is his wife until 
the English courts have annulled the marriage, and 
hence cannot be openly prosecuted. Now that she 
has deliberately married Robert, she can be indicted 
for bigamy, though I doubt whether a jury of men 
will ever convict her — if we could have women on 
the panel, her punishment would come swiftly. 


106 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

Ah ! the clerk is calling me. 

‘‘The messenger boy will show you up to Mr. 
Trevellion’s apartments.” 

Very good I 

I shake hands with the officer from Scotland 
Yard, and follow the lad up a flight of stairs. He 
shows me a door and vanishes^even as I give a rap 
upon the panel. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEBY. 


107 


CHAPTER XIV. 

LORD ARTHUR TAKES A HAND. 

‘‘Enter!” sings out a voice, and there is some- 
thing I like about it, something cheering and 
boyish. 

I open the door and step into the room. 

The first person I set eyes on is one of the two 
gentlemen who were on the Limited. Then I notice 
that there are three parties in the room, one of 
whom is the other sportsman. 

Lord Arthur himself is a tall, broad-shouldered 
young fellow, with a boyish face, far from hand- 
some, but pleasing to me, nevertheless. 

His suite of apartments is one of the finest in the 
great caravansary, as my first glance tells me. 

All of them look at me strangely. Perhaps they 
have expected to see an English detective, and do 
not yet understand. 

“Am I right in believing this is Lord Arthur 
Trevellion?” I ask, addressing the tall young man. 

" He nods his head. 

“May I ask if these gentlemen are acquainted 
with the matter, my lord?” 

“Yes, I have just been discussing it with them. 
They have been traveling for some time, and had 
not heard of the mess I got into. What is your 
business with me, sir?” 

“Did you know Ann Reillv was in Chicago, my 
lord ?” 

“My friends have just informed me that some one 


i08 THE VESTIBULE LiMITEB LlVsTEllVi 

resembling her very much had arrived here. Do 
you mean to say she is seeking me?” 

“Hardly. With her present game in view, you 
are probably the last person she would wish to set 
eyes on. These gentlemen have seen me before but 
do not recognize me.” , 

With that the others glance toward each other, 
and shake their heads. 

“ I came to Chicago in the same car with you, 
gentlemen. You remember the Quaker?” 

At this they both nod and smile. 

“Then you saw the tragedy they told me about?” 
remarks the young lord. 

“Yes, and it is in connection with that same affair 
that I am here. Probably you have heard that the 
young man whom they suppose committed suicide 
was very friendly with the adventuress, Evangeline, 
as she calls herself?” 

He nods. 

“ In confidence, gentlemen, I am about to tell you 
that which if once known to the daily press would 
ruin our case, so I beg that you will not repeat it. 

“The young man received the vial of poison 
from the hand of Evangeline herself, on the pre- 
vious night, with the declaration that it was a 
narcotic that would bring him sweet sleep — a love 
potion as it were.” 

At this my three hearers utter various exclama- 
tions of horror. 

“A beautiful fiend!” I hear Trevellion mutter. 

“That young man’s name is Kobert Ham- 
mond ” 

“Of Yew York ?” asks my lord, suddenly. 

“Yes, sir. Do you know him?” 

“Quite well. Two years ago Bob and I hunted 


THE Vestibule limited mVsterV. log 

elephants together in Southern Africa. And that 
wretched girl has murdered him.” 

‘‘Softly, my lord. She thinks he is dead, but 
thanks to good fortune, Robert Hammond is in a 
fair way to hunt in your company at some future 
time.” 

They are all deeply interested. 

In all the course of human events such tragic 
stories are not run across every day. 

“I beg pardon,” says my lord, “but why does this 
girl desire Bob’s death— what has he been guilty 
of, pray?” 

“The terrible crime of madly worshiping that 
Defilah. She is after his money.” 

“Of course.” 

“To get it she married him in New York, unbe- 
known to her father.” 

At this the three smile broadly. 

“Just before leaving on this trip he made his will, 
leaving all to her.” 

“ Why, he must be a fool!” 

“ Hold on, Bartley, remember I’m in as had a box. 
That girl can make a fool out of the wisest of men. 
Poor Bob I” exclaims Trevellion. 

Then I proceed with the narrative, telling how 
Robert bought the poison, and all that happened in 
the sleeping-car. 

My auditors are spell-bound when I relate my 
interview with Robert, and the incident of the 
Maltese cat. I give it in as dramatic a manner as 
the circumstances allow, for it is my design to 
interest them all I can in the case, in order to gain 
my lord’s co-operation. Finally I have told all. 

One after another the gentlemen shake my hand, 

“You are not a Yankee, Mr. Craig?” says one. 


110 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

“ A Scotch- American, sir. I was born over here, 
but my parents were both Edinburgh people,” and 
when I tell them of my connections their respect in- 
creases. 

“ Mr. Craig, what is your object in seeking this 
interview?” 

“ My lord, you say Robert was your friend. Do 
you still count him as such?” 

“Certainly. And if your mission here is to solicit 
my assistance in doing him a good turn, there is no 
need of putting the question. Count on me heart 
and soul.” 

“ Ah ! I knew when I set eyes on you that such 
would be the answer,” I declare. 

“ Why, I owe my life to Robert Hammond. But 
for his courage an old rogue elephant would have 
killed me. I can never forget that.” 

I take out the packet. 

“ My lord, you may not know that the man in your 
employ, who is tracking these people, is in this hotel 
at present.” 

“ Who — Billings?” 

“ Sergeant Billings. I had met him before in Lon- 
don. He believes that by getting these people in a 
corner with Robert’s case he will be able to make 
terms on account of the other, and hence is dis- 
posed to assist me.” 

“Quite right, quite right. I’d trust Billings any- 
where. He has a long head.” 

“ He allowed me to have these documents to hand 
to you. You understand what they are of course.” 

He flushes a little at sight of them, and then gives 
a short laugh. 

“Yes, I reckon I do, Mr. Craig. Ah! here is her 
deceitful face.” 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. Ill 

I can see certain emotions chasing each other 
over his countenance as he gazes at it, and do not 
wonder. Whether these mean anger or something 
else, it is hard to say. 

“ Ah ! she made a fool of me, and I tell you there 
are few men who could resist that girl once she 
exercised her charms. But the spell was broken, 
and that ends it. Mr. Craig, explain how I can 
serve you,” says my lord. 

So I tell him my plan — how I want him to see 
Robert again and casually mention the trouble he 
has had on account of a girl in England, whom he 
married. Then, at the proper moment, he is to pro- 
duce the picture, and add all the proofs, thus con- 
vincing Hammond that the Evangeline he believes 
in is as false as Jezebel. 

I believe solemnly that such a course will be the 
only way of effecting a cure with Robert. 

Generally, when a patient suffers with fever 
added to some other malady, the physician, before 
devoting his energies toward curing the ailment, 
will break the fever. 

So with Hammond— he must see his folly before 
we can hope to cure him of the mad disease of the 
heart from which he suffers. 

The three gentlemen agree with me that such is 
the only true course. Trevellion asks questions 
relative to Robert’s present position, and I give him 
directions by means of which he may find the hos- 
pital. 

‘‘You must be careful, sir, how you show yourself 
in the dining-room,” I remark. 

“Is Gwendoline here?” he asks, holding his breath 
and changing color, 


112 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

“ On the same floor with yourself. They have a 
suite of apartments here.” 

He looks a trifle uneasy, and I am not quite so 
positive that he would be able to trust himself alone 
with the charmer again. That old fascination had 
deep roots, and even though the tree may^have 
been cut down, they are liable to send out shoots 
again. 

Hence, I earnestly trust he will not be thrown in 
the company of the pretty woman who is really his 
wife, at least until Kobert has been saved. 

He promises to be very careful, and avoid her. 
As he wears no mustache or side-whiskers now, she 
may not recognize him should they casually pass on 
the street. 

Satisfied that my case is in good hands, I bid the 
gentlemen good-day, and withdraw. All has gone 
well, and I am pleased with the progress thus far. 

Once let the Englishman convince Robert that 
the woman he believes in has lived the life of a base 
adventuress, preying upon the community, and he 
will be ready to believe all the rest concerning the 
attempt upon his own existence , a portion of which 
is already known to him, through me. 

Down below, near the desk, I see Billings. 

The Scotland Yard detective is evidently waiting 
for some one, for he watches the stairs and the 
elevator quietly but thoroughly. 

I know I am in his thoughts, for a smile appears 
upon his face when he sees me. 

‘‘Well, what luck?” he asks. 

“The best.” 

“He has accepted the mission?” 

“Gladly. He and Robert are old chums,” . 

^^The duse you say P’ 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEBY. 


113 


“Hunted together in South Africa.” 

“ Ah ! he was in that party, eh ? They had some 
hot times and came near embroiling her majesty’s 
government in a war with the natives. Well, that 
made it much easier for you.” 

“Yes, indeed. I think my plan will be a success 
now. A few more hours and Robert will have come 
to his senses. When that time arrives I shall be 
summoned, and then my cards may be played.” 

“Anything I can do for you, command me,” he 
says, earnestly. 

I do not know of any use I can put him to, just at 
present, but something may turn up, and I tell 
him so. 

Then I find it time to return to my room. 

Acton comes in soon after I arrive. He has suc- 
ceeded in his undertaking, and met with all possible 
courtesy from the newspaper men whom he went to 
interview. 

He is anxious to hear what I have been up to, 
and listens to my story with an eagerness that is 
almost painful. 

At its conclusion he slaps me on the back with his 
old time vigor, saying: 

“Shake, Craig, old fellow. You are the man for 
me. We are bound to succeed now.” 

Evidently, the colonel is satised with the arrange- 
ment I have made. It does one good to^eel that his 
work is appreciated, and serves as a spur to urge 
on the weary toiler to still greater deeds. 

The afternoon is rapidly passing, and ere long 
night will fall upon the Lake City. I am patiently 
waiting a message from Therese. When Robert 
comes back into hm own mind she is to let me 
know, 


114 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEBY. 


It is not strange — this absence of news, for she 
told me he has at times lain in this stupor for 
twenty hours. As twelve have hardly passed, I 
have no reason to be anxious, and yet naturally 
I feel so. 

I am just looking at my watch, yawning as I note 
the fact that it is four o’clock when there is a rap 
at our door. 

“Hello!” cries the colonel, starting out of a doze. 

“Come in!” I call aloud. 

The door opens and a man appears. 

“A note for Mr. Craig,” he says. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


115 


CHAPTER XV. 

HEROIC MEASURES. 

Of course I know that in all probability this is 
news of Robert, and yet I cannot help saying: 

“ Are you from the hospital ?” 

He answers in the affirmative. 

I open the note with a little uneasiness — what if I 
should read of Robert’s death — such a thing might 
happen under the circumstances. 

“Come — he is recovering — Therese.” 

That is all. 

I draw a breath of relief. 

“No answer, my man,” I remark, rising. 

He turns and leaves the room with something of 
a military salute. 

“That fellow’s been in the army. What news, 
Craig?” asks the colonel. 

I hand him the slip of paper, and proceed to draw 
on my light overcoat. The air of Chicago becomes 
exceedingly chilly at this time of year, particularly 
as night draws nigh. 

A few words and I am off, heading for the distant 
hospital on the South-Side. The cable cars are put 
into good use to transport me on my way, and as I 
ride I reflect, reviewing the whole case. 

If Robert can only be managed properly, we may 
readily set up a game by means of which the ad- 
venturer and his daughter will be brought low. 

I have stopped at the Palmer on the way and sent 


lie THE \^STIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

up a note to the Englishman, requesting him to 
meet me at the door of the hospital at a certain 
time, and I know he will be there. 

Arriving finally at my destination I enter and 
meet the doctor in his office. Exchanging a few 
sentences with him, I pass on. 

Kobert is up and dressed. 

He looks a little pale, but otherwise does not seem 
to have suffered any ill effects from his recent 
attack. Of course he glances at me without inter- 
est, but Therese tells him who I am, and a smile 
crosses his face as he holds out his hand. 

“ Glad to see you out of that mess, sir. It gave 
us all a great shock,” I remark. 

“ Ah ! yes, and no doubt your first thought was to 
the effect that I had gone the same way as that 
wretched cat,” he replies. 

“Until your sister here gave me a clew, such was 
my impression. You can believe it sent a cold 
shiver through my system.” 

“Do you know where — they are?” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“ Does she— do they believe— have they been here 
to inquire?” 

“No, sir. They believe you dead.” 

“Good Heaven! how is that?” 

“It was so reported in the evening papers.” 

“That must have been a cruel blow to her.” 

“Very,” I say dryly, with a grimace in the direc- 
tion of Miss Therese, who smiles. 

“I must find them and relieve her agony.” 

Of course this is nothing more nor less than I 
have expected, but it worries me ; he is so dead set 
in his ways, there can be no telling where he will 
land when he jumps. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEBY. il7 

“ I beg that you will not do that yet. Remember, 
that man and his clique mean to have your life, 
and it would be folly for you to throw it away- 
You gave in to me before, and it saved your life. 
Promise me one thing.” 

“ What is that?” he asks. 

“ That you will not attempt to see Gwendoline — I 
mean Evangeline, until morning.” 

“Oh! I can promise that. Therese and I are just 
about to head for a hotel, as soon as the doctor 
gives me permission to leave here, as I find that is 
necessary.” 

“What hotel do you go to?” I ask, with some little 
uneasiness. ' 

“The Palmer, of course!” 

I say nothing, but earnestly hope that as all the 
characters in this life drama are domiciled beneath 
the roof of a single hotel, there may be no dis- 
astrous meeting before the affair is ripe. 

We talk a few minutes longer. 

“ Pardon me if I speak a few words privately to 
your sister, Mr. Hammond,” I say. 

“Certainly. Talk as long as you please. I only 
hope my release will come shortly. I need a good 
dinner and a cigar,” he answers. 

I tell Therese about Lord Arthur and what to do. 
They are to stop in and have dinner before reach- 
ing the Palmer, which will keep both men from 
appearing in the dining-room of the hotel, and run- 
ning the risk of discovery ; for should the pretty 
adventuress see her English husband hob-nobbing 
with her American one, she might readily guess 
what disaster had befallen her fortunes, and by 
flight manage to save something out of the ruin. 

Therese understands— she is a bright girl, and 


118 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


again I mentally compare her with the one whose 
pretty face has well nigh wrecked the lives of these 
two good men. The comparison redounds to the 
advantage of Robert’s sister. 

Having given her all the instructions that I deem 
necessary, I shake Robert’s hand and tell him I will 
speak to the doctor as I pass out ; that he is a sort 
of protege of mine and will do anything to favor 
me, so that in a few minutes they will be allowed to 
square their account and leave. 

This I do, and the doctor readily acquiesces. 

In five minutes or so Robert will once more be 
breathing the pure air of heaven, or at least what 
they call such in smoky Chicago. 

Outside, just as I expect and hope, I discover the 
Englishman. There is only time to speak a few 
words with him, and then I make myself scarce, 
though hovering near. ^ 

Presently, voices are heard beyond the door, and 
Trevellion mounts the steps, meeting Robert and 
his sister coming out. 

He plays his part well, simulating surprise, and 
exclaiming : 

“Bless my soul, Hammond, can it be possible!” 

As for Robert he is delighted. 

He seizes the other’s hand and wrings it with 
great vigor. Then he presents Therese. I can see 
the Englishman glance at her curiously, and some- 
how the thought flashes into my brain that he must 
surely be attracted by her sweet, gentle face and 
womanly ways. 

They chat a few moments and then start dowm 
the street together. Therese has changed her attire 
to a certain extent — she is dressed in black, but no 
longer passes as a nun. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEKY. 


119 


On my part I have also succeeded in altering my 
appearance, and do not believe any of them will 
recognize me, unless I give my lord the signal 
agreed on between us. A few simple changes have 
done it, the principal one being the use of a pair of 
blue spectacles. Strange what an alteration they 
will make in a man^s looks. 

It is easy for me to follow close behind the trio. I 
am not noticed, at least by Robert who seems to 
have brightened up wonderfully under the unex- 
pected meeting with his old hunting comrade. 
They indulge in many reminiscences and Therese 
also joins them, apparently pleased to see her 
brother exhibiting such signs of his old self. 

Presently they reach a large restaurant. 

Darkness is closing in, and pleasing odors are 
wafted forth from the eating place. 

My lord stops — he invites them in to dine — Robert 
makes a feeble protest, wishing to wait until they 
reach the hotel, but he is almost famished, and the 
appetizing odors that reach him are hard to resist. 

Of course they enter. 

Two minutes later a quiet man, wearing blue 
glasses, and with his heavy hair thrown back a la 
professor, takes a seat at a table near by. That is 
myself, of course. It is my desire to see how the 
thing works ; not through simple curiosity alone, 
but because I have a deep interest in the affair. 

When Trevellion glances toward me I give him 
the signal and he smiles. Really, I believe his lord- 
ship enjoys the game. It is about as good as hunt- 
ing the royal Bengal tiger in the jungles of India, 
at any rate, for his quarry here is worth the effort. 

The}^ chat for a time, and no mention is made of 

the subject. Robert must be allowed a chance to 


120 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

appease his hunger, for he will need all his strength 
to carry him through. Luckily the Englishman 
seems to recognize this fact. 

At length the time arrives ; operations are opened 
on the enemy’s works. 

“ Tell me, what have you been doing since I parted 
from you in Natal,” says Robert. 

His friend turns red in the face — he is a little 
ashamed to confess his faults in the presence of 
Therese; but he has promised, and like a true 
Briton, does not go back on his word. 

“ I’ve been at home a good part of the time, and 
unfortunately got mixed up in an affair that has 
caused my family no end of worry. To tell you the 
truth, old fellow, I fell head over ears in love with a 
pretty face, became fascinated, and married the 
girl!” 

Robert looks uneasy, as this strikes him in a 
tender spot ; but he laughs it off. 

“ Well, your news is surprising, Arthur. So, you 
are a Benedict?” he says. 

“ Unfortunately, yes, but I have reason to believe 
the courts will soon annul the marriage and set me 
free,” replies Trevellion. 

Ah ! then the lady did not turn out all that your 
fancy painted her.” 

“ She proved to be a beautiful adventuress. I have 
documents with me relating a dozen episodes of her 
life, taken from the papers, and also a very good 
picture of her as she appeared a year ago. But I 
trust I may never again see her face in this world.” 

‘‘Did she not love you, Arthur?” 

“ Love ! Such a creature is incapable of the tender 
passion. She lavished caresses upon me, and half 
an hour later was coolly plotting my death with an 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEHY. 121 

accomplice, having succeeded in getting me to make 
a will that left her all my property in case of 
death.” 

“Ah!” 

Robert turns so white that I almost fear he is 
about to fall from his chair ; but with a supreme 
effort he recovers. 

“ I am not quite myself yet,” he apologizes, with 
a poor attempt at smiling ; “ what were you saying, 
Arthur— she tried to poison you?” 

“Yes, but her tool weakened and changed the 
glass, giving me a clean one. Afterward he con- 
fessed on condition that I would not harm Gwendo- 
line, and I promised ; but it opened my eyes and I 
saw the beautiful fiend in all her hideousness. I 
was cured of my folly then and there.” 

Robert is staggered by the similarity of the two 
cases. He seems uneasy. 

“Arthur, you spoke of having a picture of your 
wife with you,” he says, just as I fully expect. 

“Yes,” returns the other, quietly. 

“Would you mind letting me see it? I have 
reasons for asking. 

“Not at all, my dear boy. Impress it well on 
your mind, for it is the face of a deceiver, and woe 
betide the man who falls down before it to worship. 
I am not her only victim.” 

With that he slowly draws out the packet, and 
selecting the picture, holds it face downward as he 
hands it to Robert. 

I catch my breath and trust young Hammond 
will not make a scene. The others are watching 
him, Arthur eagerly, Therese anxiously. 

He turns it over. 

The beautiful face stares at him— it mocks his de- 


122 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

spair. Not a sound breaks from him, but his lips 
grow white again, and the awful look in his staring 
eyes tells of his suffering. Yes, it is a painful 
remedy, but desperate cases require heroic treat- 
ment, and surely the knife of the surgeon is used 
in mercy. 

A full minute elapses ere he speaks ; a minute of 
intense anxiety to all. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


123 


CHAPTER XVT. 

THE SPELL BROKEN. 

Finally Robert remarks : 

“ Did I understand you to say this is a picture of 
your wife, Arthur?” 

“You did.” 

“ There is no mistake— you have not given me the 
wrong photograph ?” holding it up. 

“That is my wife’s picture.” 

“ Her name ?” 

“ Is Ann Reilly— but to me she was Gwendoline, 
to others Avis, Evangeline or one of a dozen names 
she carried in stock.” 

“And you married her?” 

“Yes, the more fool I.” 

“ And she tried to poison you after getting you to 
make your will?” 

“Every word of it is true.” 

Robert lapses into silence for a minute or so, and 
none of the rest speak. We realize what a whirl- 
wind of emotions must be raging in his breast, and 
it is better that he fight the battle alone — the victory 
will then be more enduring. 

At length he again looks up. 

“Arthur!” 

“What is it, Robert?” 

“ Do you know whether she — your wife — the ad- 
venturess — came over — to America?” 

“ I am sure of it, A detective belonging to Scot- 


124 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY, 

land Yard and in my employ is following them, and 
I know he is in Chicago to-night.” 

Kohert groans. 

He has endeavored to discover the faintest gleam 
of light, but without success. All around him lies 
the blackness of despair. 

There can be no doubt then, Arthur, that I have 
fallen into the toils of the same pretty schemer who 
wrecked your happiness.” 

Lord Arthur pretends to be surprised, and induces 
Kobert to give him his confidence. As the latter 
has no other support to lean upon he makes a clean 
beast of it, and tells all. 

My Englishman does his part well, and impresses 
upon Robert’s mind the enormity of the woman’s 
offense, until he has aroused a feeling of hatred and 
disgust in place of the love that has lately reigned 
there. 

I am not so sure of Robert. Man is proverbially 
weak when love once pleads admission to the heart. 
Stern as is his purpose now, I am afraid he will melt 
if that lovely Circe ever ^eis her arms around his 
neck, and with streaming eyes declares to Robert 
that although she has sinned in the past, he is the 
only man she has ever loved. 

If we are wise we will endeavor to keep Robert 
away from the charmer at present, until he recovers 
himself. 

Again and again Robert glances at the photo- 
graph he holds, as though he seems to have a 
lingering hope that he may discover some little peg 
on which he can rest a doubt ; but it is useless. 

Chancing to turn it over, he sees what has been 
printed on the back, and shudders while he read^ 
the indictment. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 125 

What does this mean — who put it there?” 

“The British Government.” 

“I don’t understand.” 

“It is her decree of banishment from Great 
Britain. These cards were circulated in every 
city. She tried to bras:en it out for a while, but the 
exposure was too much for her, and she went. In 
the States she was not known, so she came here to 
play the same game.” 

Kobert hands the picture back, shuddering as it 
leaves his hands. 

“It is over!” he says, shutting his lips together 
with some show of firmness. 

“You have cast her out, Robert?” asks my lord. 

“Yes.” 

“Thank Heaven!” breathes Therese. 

Lord Arthui* does not look so fully satisfied, but 
gazes at his friend in a queer manner. He has been 
seriously bitten himself, but nothing like Robert, 
and knowing what a hard time he had in trying to 
give this girl up, he understands just what is before 
his friend. 

Robert is filled with the fervor of the moment, and 
raises his head proudly as though he has just won 
a great victory. 

If the opportunity ever presents itself, I am afraid 
he will discover how weak human nature is under 
certain conditions. 

At any rate our plans have at least succeeded as 
well as we ever dreamed they would, Robert has 
had his eyes opened, and no matter what occurs in 
the future he cannot enter into it blindfolded. He 
knows his Evangeline is an adventuress who has 
deceived many a man before him — that his idol 
instead of being pure gold is dross, and if he still 


126 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


worships, it must be at a sacrifice to his better 
nature. 

I hear them ask him what he intends to do, and I 
am pleased to catch his reply. 

“ I am in the hands of my friends. Therese here 
and the detective she has employed, a Mr. Craig, 
can advise me,” he says. 

With that I get up and go out. 

Changing my disguise I once more enter the 
restaurant, and express surprise at finding them 
there. They gradually put me in possession of the 
fact that Robert has discovered the true nature of 
the adventuress, and is entirely cured of his folly. 
He says this latter himself, and looks so stern and 
severe that I can hardly refrain from smiling. 

Poor fellow ! his fortress may seem impregnable 
in his eyes, but I know full well that one killing 
look from those roguish eyes will create havoc 
there, and that only a brief bombardment will cause 
the white flag to be run up in token of surrender. 

It suits my plans well enough to know that Robert 
means to give her up, and I feel that every hour 
that passes will strengthen my case. 

The next thing to be done is to get Robert and his 
sister into the Palmer House, and assigned to rooms 
as brother and sister, under false names. 

When that has been accomplished I must see 
Colonel Acton, and arrange our business for a de- 
scent upon the swindles. In this game we will be 
glad to have the assistance of Billings. Besides, 
there is Lord Arthur and his two sporting friends, 
ready to be made use of. In private I speak to the 
Englishman, and tell him just what I think. He 
jumps at the hint I let fall, and immediately insists 
on Robert promising to join himself and friends in 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEKY. 127 

the grand hunt they are preparing for. This is 
something Robert can never resist, and he solemnly 
promises to go with them. 

If he can be taken beyond the reach of her spell, 
and in the excitement of the chase be able to forget 
her witchery, I believe we may yet save him. As I 
look upon the young man I realize that he is worth 
saving no matter to what extremes we are pushed. 
Finally, we make a start for the Palmer. 

Nearing the great brown caravansary that looms 
up over State street, I go ahead to survey the 
ground, while Lord Arthur takes his friends in at 
the ladies’ entrance. 

Not seeing anything of the enemy around the 
office, I conclude they are in at supper. So Robert 
comes in and registers for himself and sister under 
fictitious names. They go at once to their rooms. 

I remain to speak with the English gentleman a 
few minutes, thanking him for his kind assistance. 
He declares it is nothing; that he would do ten 
times that much for Robert Hammond, one of the 
best fellows that ever drew breath. 

Then he mentions Robert’s sister, comparing her 
with the gay butterfly who has beguiled himself 
and Robert in the past. I can easily see that my 
lord is struck with her manner, which is so dignified 
and lady-like. Well, that seems to be my luck, 
always. What chance would I have, entering the 
lists against a real lord? I sincerely wish him luck, 
and believe that if he wins Therese Hammond he 
will never have cause to regret it. 

Arranging some method with my lord, so that I 
may find him, should I want him, we finally 
separate. I am anxious to see my employer again 
and let him know what has taken place. 


128 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

When matters are going on in this way it does 
not do to let the iron get cold — strike while it is hot 
has always been our method. 

We discuss the case in all its bearings and then 
decide on the next move. 

An interview must be had with the people against 
whom we are arranging our batteries. I seek Bill- 
ings, and find him on guard, as usual, watching 
the stairs and the elevator. 

His manner makes me think of the typical British 
bull-dog, a faithful servant. 

When he learns that I am about to represent him 
above, and make an effort to have the swindlers 
disgorge, his joy is great. Eagerly, he tells me 
exactly the nature of the papers which the Keilly 
woman and her aristocratic-looking pa have car- 
ried off. 

With his best wishes for my success I post off to 
beard the lion in his den. 

It has been an easy matter for me to find out the 
number of the suite Larz Andrews and his lovely 
daughter occupy, and presently I find myself before 
the door. 

Listening, I think > I hear voices beyond, but it 
would be utterly out of the question to distinguish 
any words, so I do not try, 

I knock. 

The voices cease. 

Some one comes to the door, and as it opens, I 
find myself face to face with Evangeline. 

Those lustrous eyes meet my own and I experi- 
ence a trifle of the tremor that comes upon one 
when under fire. Asa soldier, I have felt that same 
sensation in battle. Bravely I bear up under it, 


THM VESTIBULE LIMITED MVSTERY. 129 

however; she must not make a fool of Duncan 
Craig. 

“Is Colonel Andrews in?” I ask. 

She replies in the affirmative, at the same time 
looking at me closely. 

“I would like to see him.” 

Stepping back, she calls his name. I hear a man’s 
tread, and presently the valiant colonel stands be- 
fore me. 

He eyes me fiercely, as becomes an officer of her 
majesty’s service, but somehow I do not seem to 
quail worth a cent. 

“How are you, Sherwood?” 

This is the name by which he was known on the 
other side of the big pond. At mention of it he 
starts and looks confused, but speedily recovers his 
remarkable nerve. 

“You have made a mistake sir. My name is 
Andrews — a colonel in her majesty’s foot.” 

Keally he is a fine-looking man, and I do not 
wonder that these two, working in common, have 
been able to deceive so many good folks over on the 
other side. 

“That’s all right, Burke,” I continue, using the 
man’s genuine name. 

“See here, who are you?” he blurts out, this last 
shot having struck home. 

“Sergeant Billings, of Scotland Yard.” 

“What do you want here?” 

“A quiet little talk with you, sir.” 

He stands there as if puzzled what to do, and 
meanwhile the girl, who has heard all that we have 
said, glides up to whisper something. 

“Let hiin come in,” I hear her say, “we must 
hear what he knows.” 


130 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEBY. 

She is a sharp one, sure enough, and the doughty 
colonel realizes it, for he flashes a look of admira- 
tion upon her. 

Then he turns to me. 

“Enter,” he says, gruflly. 

In another moment I have seated myself upon an 
elegant chair in the apartment. I fancy I see a 
door connecting with another room move a trifle, 
but pay little attention to the fact, as my attention 
is wholly occupied in watching the two people 
before me. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEIiy. 


131 


CHAPTER XVII. 

‘^SILENCE, ON YOUR LIFE!” 

There can be no doubt but that the adventurer is 
curious to know what I am up to. Of course he can 
give a general guess that it concerns the documents 
belonging to Trevellion; but he cannot imagine 
what power I have to make him disgorge. 

Before long he will understand the matter better. 
I have something in my mind to open his eyes, and 
he will realize that his position is not as safe as he 
believes. 

“Now, Mr. Billings — I think you said that was 
your name — kindly let me know to what cause I am 
indebted for this singular intrusion.” 

He carries it out well. Somehow I admire a 
shrewd rogue. When a man gives me trouble and 
all of my energies are needed to get him in a 
corner, I cannot help feeling a certain admiration 
for him. 

This fellow is certainly the prince of rogues, and 
I am delighted at the task before me. As for the 
charming listener, hovering over the handsome 
swindler, her presence simply adds a zest to the 
game. 

‘‘You have a packet of papers in your possession, 
colonel— either you or this lady here— belonging to 
a certain English gentleman. I have come for 
them,” I say, coolly. 

With that he laughs hoarsely. 

“Bless my soul, you are a brave one to be sent out 


132 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


into this wilderness. It is a wonder you were 
allowed to pass New York. The bunco men are on 
the lookout for such chaps.” 

I disregard his sneering tone, for knowing what I 
do I can afford to. The laugh will be on the other 
side presently, 

“You admit that you have the papers, then?” I 
ask, gravely. 

“We admit having done no wrong — this lady, my 
daughter, is the legal wife of the gentleman you 
represent, and being such, cannot be disturbed in 
the possession of the papers.” 

He evidently imagines that he has a dead sure 
thing of it, and yet I detect a shadow of uneasiness 
upon his face, while he watches me as a hawk 
might its enemy. 

“ I have come for those papers, sir, and I am de- 
termined to have them.” 

“Really!” 

“ I understand just as well as you do that the law 
will protect a wife in the possession of certain 
property, as it looks upon a married couple as an 
individual. Hence, I am here to make terms with 
you.” 

“Terms?” 

The two exchange glances. Perhaps they im- 
agine I am about to offer a fabulous sum in the 
name of the Trevellion family, for the return of the 
documents, and possibly a release for Lord Arthur. 
At any rate I am certain they do not imagine the 
nature of the proposition about to be advanced. 

“Would you like to hear them?” I ask. 

“Oh, suit yourself, sergeant. We are not at all 
particular about giving up the papers. Indeed, I 
believe my daughter has conceived quite a fancy 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


133 


for them. It would have to be a large sum that 
would induce her to relinquish them.” 

“I said nothing about any sum, sir.” 

“You spoke of terms.” 

“Yes, but my meaning is something you do not 
appear to have grasped. My terms are an even ex- 
change. You hand me over the papers, and I 
promise that Sergeant Billings will remain as silent 
as the grave.” 

“Bah! silence cannot buy us.” 

“But a word may hang you.” 

At my words the adventurer turns pale and grasps 
the arm of his chair. This only lasts for a few 
seconds and then Richard is himself again. 

“Are you crazy, man?” 

“Well, I have no reason to believe so. Indeed, 
just at present my mind is unusually clear, and I 
would like nothing better than a little engagement 
with the New York bunco men of whom you speak 
so highly. In their absence I shall have to content 
myself with less important game, and confine my 
attention to you.” 

His uneasiness grows apace, as he begins to com- 
prehend that all this smoke must mean a fire some- 
where. Now he is anxious to discover the con- 
flagration in order that he may gauge the danger. 

“You speak in riddles, sir.” 

“ Then I will do so no longer. I chance to possess 
a secret of yours, which I believe balances the value 
of the papers — that is, if you place any specific 
price upon your neck.” 

“What is this secret, man?” 

“ It concerns a young man by the name of Robert 
Hammond.” 

Andrews’ lips pucker up as though he would 


134 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEKY. 


mutter something, but no sound comes forth. The 
girl, however, gives a low cry, and darting a swift 
glance in that quarter, I can see that her face has 
suddenly grown very pale. Conscience is at work — 
not that such a Tieartless creature regrets her course 
through any sorrow for the young man, but because 
the awful consequences of her crime begin to rise 
up before her. 

I feel no sorrow for her. She has taken keen 
pleasure in making others suffer in the past, and it 
is only fair that she should be made to feel the 
torture in turn. 

‘‘What of Robert Hammond?” he asks. 

“ There is a law in this country that punishes for 
bigamy. This girl here is still the wife of Lord 
Arthur Trevellion, yet she has dared marry Robert 
Hammond.” 

“Those are wild words— you cannot prove them,” 
he declares, hardly knowing what to say. 

“They are the truth.” 

“Well, then she can renounce the affair across 
the water. You remember that such power is given 
to her — it is what his relatives have been begging 
her to do all the while — to declare there was no 
marriage, as she was already a wife.” 

Andrews gets deeper in the mire. 

“If it becomes a necessity, man, perhaps we can 
prove that this was the case at the time of the cere- 
mony with Lord Arthur, and that therefore, it was 
void— that the incumbrance died later on, and she 
was free to wed at the time she became Mrs. Ham- 
mond. How would that strike your bigamy 
charge?” 

“If you can prove all that, my charge falls to the 
ground, On the other hand it gives her no right to 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEllY. 


135 


retain the papers, which I demand that she hand 
over to me, as the properly authorized agent for his 
lordship.” 

He opens his eyes wide. 

‘‘Pray, what papers do you refer to? We have 
confessed to holding none.” 

Of course I see that he has entered upon a new 
tack. I am not a lawyer, but I can easily guess 
what he is playing for. 

Between the two stools he may fall. 

“Burke, you fence well, but I have a weapon that 
will down you. Those papers must come into my 
possession one way or another. Do you know where 
Robert Hammond is now?” 

With that I look straight into his eyes. 

My main object is to cause these two alarm, and 
make them fly from the country — after disgorging 
the papers. In this way it is probable they will give 
Robert no more trouble in the future. 

In order to accomplish this it is my intention to 
play my last card. » 

Andrews quails beneath my accusing look— hi^ 
guilty heart almost stands still with sudden alarm, 
and I can see him catch his breath. 

“JSTo— yes— that is, what does it concern you an/-» 
how?” he grates between his teeth. 

“Much, my dear sir.” 

I take out the evening News, having marked the 
account of the mystery of the Vestibule Limited. 

“You have seen this?” I ask. 

He glances at it and shudders. 

“I have.” 

“It states that Robert is dead !” 

The girl covers her face with her hands and 


136 THE VESTlBtrLE LIMITED MTSTEEY. 

begins to sob ; somehow the sound arouses my ire, 
and I turn upon her fiercely. 

“ Cease that mockery. Remember, I know all your 
past and understand that this man is but another of 
your victims,” I exclaim. 

She removes her hands from her face and looks 
at me in wonder. Probably she is not accustomed 
to being spoken to in such a harsh way ; but I for- 
get her beauty in remembering her accursed work. 
The alligator tears hang upon her long lashes, and 
she makes a dused pretty picture. Neither of the 
young men would have stood out against it; but I 
am a hardened old bachelor, and I steel my heart. 

“What if Robert is dead — then my daughter is 
his widow. She will succeed to his estate, for his 
will leaves it to her, and it is so worded that even if 
the marriage were declared null and void, the will 
must hold.” 

Andrews says this doggedly, as though he has 
reached his last line of defense, where he must 
stand at bay. 

“You know what caused his death?” 

“ Certainly— arsenic in liquid 'form — so the doctor 
said.” 

“ Where did he get it?” 

“Bought it in New York, himself.” 

“ How do you know this ?” 

“ That is none of your business. I do know it, 
and can prove it.” 

“The prescription he handed to the druggist was 
given to him by yonder lady. In the car she also 
handed him the small vial found empty upon his 
person, but which at the time was filled with the 
poison, telling him it was a sleeping potion.” 

At these words the girl sinks into a chair— she 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


137 


weakens for the moment. Andrews glares at me as 
though inclined to make a sudden leap at my 
throat. Should he attempt such a course, I am 
afraid the respectable Palmer House will soon wit- 
ness a scene of wild commotion, for I do not allow 
any living man to meddle with my breathing 
apparatus. 

He thinks better of it and refrains. 

“ What you insinuate, sir, is a serious charge, and 
you would do well to hesitate before you hint at 
such a thing in public,” he says, with assumed 
calmness. 

“It all depends upon you, Burke, whether this 
charge is pushed to the end. Unless you hand me 
the papers I came for, I will certainly put my hand 
in your game here and break it all up. You have 
your choice — I will not make the offer again — give 
me the papers, and Sergeant Billings will never 
betray you — refuse, and there is trouble ahead.” 

I have him now. 

When he comes to deliberate, and sees the only 
choice there is open to him, I am sure he will not be 
long in settling the matter. “ Give me time to think. 
I am all broken up.” 

As he speaks he retires to the other end of the 
room. The girl follows him, and speaks in low, 
earnest tones. 

I imagine she is trying to induce him to give the 
papers up, but he is obstinate. He shakes his head 
in a negative way, and looks ugly. 

I complacently await their decision, knowing 
what my power is. Fume and fret as he will, 
Andrews must finally come to my terms, for there 
is no alternative. 

I hear him say something in an unknown tongue, 


138 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


and wonder why he is scolding the girl, or giving 
her orders. 

Then the truth is suddenly brought home to me in 
rather an unpleasant manner, when an arm steals 
past me and something cold, which I know to be 
the steel muzzle of a revolver, presses against my 
temple, while a voice hisses in my ear ; 

“Silence, on your life!” 


HE vestibule limited MYSTERY. 


139 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

‘‘SIR, YOU ARE A WIZARD!*' 

I cannot help the cold shiver from passing 
through my frame as I realize the situation ; but I 
keep my wits about me, and maintain my presence 
of mind, as becomes a man who has been concerned 
in many a serious business before now. 

Andrews jumps up from his chair and comes 
toward me. Upon his face is a look of fury that 
gives him the appearance of a fiend. This man 
would hesitate at nothing in order to accomplish 
his purpose. Still, I do not fear him or his power — 
I know my own too well. If everything else fails I 
can let him know Robert still lives. 

Turning my head a trifie, I see who it is holding a 
weapon against my temple. 

Samuels ! 

The Jewish doctor has been in the adjoining 
apartment during our whole interview, and the 
loud words of Andrews probably gave him his order 
to cover me in this way. I remember now the 
movement of the door. 

“Ah! how are you, doctor?” I remark. 

He does not reply, but wags his long gray beard 
vindictively, and presses the cold barrel of the 
revolver against my temple even more harshl}^ 
than before. 

“You do not seem to remember me, either of you, 
and yet I came here in the same car with both. I 
was the Quaker.” _ 


140 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERV. 

Andrews swears at this. 

“ I remember he. was much interested in the case. 
Well, you cur from Scotland Yard, you have gotten 
yourself in a pretty scrape. I suppose you are pre- 
pared to die,” he says. 

The girl even frowns at me — I imagine she is 
angry more because I scolded her than on any 
other account. That is woman-like. 

Thus beset by enemies, Duncan Craig feels quite 
easy regarding his safety. They dare not attempt 
his life, however much they may threaten him. 

“A man in my line of business, Burke, knows 
that he takes his life in his hand whenever he 
enters upon a game of this sort; nevertheless, I 
have not the remotest idea of dying just now.” 

“Well, you’re nearer to it than ever before in 
your life, man. In no other way can I secure my- 
self. There will be some excuse for the deed. I 
will swear that you followed my child here — that 
you basely insulted her — she will scream out before 
I fire, and I — they will look upon me as a hero be- 
cause I have dared defend my daughter.” 

He snatches the revolver from the hand of the old 
doctor. I can see a devilish light in his eyes. 
There is really no telling what a man may do on 
the spur of the moment. It is quite possible he will 
regret the deed as soon as it is done, but such re- 
morse will not collect my scattered brains. 

It is high time I played a trump card. 

“ Andrews!” 

“Well, what is it?” 

“Do you see my hands— they rest upon my knees,, 
and can do you no harm. I give no evidence of 
calling out. Do not put a noose around your neck 
by being hasty,” 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 141 

“What have you to say?” moodily. 

“A number of things, to you. In the first place, 
I assure you that if such a crazy act takes place 
here as you contemplate, you will be hung for it.” 

“I am willing to take the risk.” 

“You do not understand. lam not alone in this 
matter, Burke.” 

‘“Eh?” he ejaculates, in surprise. 

“There is another interested with me — the old 
violinist of the sleeping-car. He, too, is a detective, 
and chasing you. While I am up here in your room 
he awaits below. If I do not appear within a cer- 
tain time he will take a paper I have given him to 
the chief of the Chicago police, and long before 
morning the whole clique of you will be behind the 
bars.” 

That is my right bower. 

1 believe it a heavy enough card to win the game, 
but even in an emergency I can play the joker — 
which means the disclosure of Robert being alive. 

Andrews no longer aims the revolver at me. His 
enthusiasm seems to have experienced something 
of a set back. My quiet argument has convinced 
him that it will be indeed profitable to investigate 
before going ahead. 

He has a long head. 

At present, surrounded with difficulties as he is, 
he seeks the best escape. Those papers he dislikes 
to give up very much indeed. I do not know why 
they are so precious to him, but it is an undoubted 
fact. 

He presses one hand against his head as though 
to direct his thoughts, which in truth must be in a 
mad whirl. 

Evangeline watches him with fear in her eyes. 


142 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

Perhaps she realizes now the awful nature of the 
crime in which they have been engaged. Still I do 
not pity her. It may teach her a lesson, and be- 
sides, up to now the suffering has all been on the 
other side. It is only fair she should share it. 

“Is what you tell me true, man?” asks the 
doughty colonel, gloomily. 

“ Every word of it. There is no help for it — ^you 
must accept my terms.” 

“Tell me again what you propose.” 

“My terms? Certainly. You hand me the papers, 
and I guarantee that none of you will be suspected 
of having had anything to do with the death of 
Kobert Hammond.” 

“Have you power to do this?” suspiciously. 

“Yes, I can promise you immunity from the con- 
sequences of that affair. As I stated before, the 
facts are known only to myself. I shall destroy 
that paper, go away, and no one will eyer be the 
wiser for it.” 

“Will you swear to do this?” he asks, eagerly. 

I readily understand the position Andrews finds 
himself in. He may not fully believe that I can do 
as I say; but with him just now it is indeed Hob- 
son’s choice. There is no other way than of ac- 
cepting. 

“I give you my solemn word of honor that if you 
do as I say you will not be molested on account of 
Robert’s death. I will go away, and leave you in 
peace,” I remark. 

The man seems torn with conflicting emotions. 
At one moment he almost grovels at my feet, and 
the next he glares at me in such a savage manner 
that I actually fear for my life, and wonder if it 
may not be possible that he has a touch of insanity 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED JilYSTERY. 143 

within his mind, that may force him to do a deed 
which he will speedily repent. 

What is wisest in his composition finally tri- 
umphs, and he puts the weapon on a table. 

“Billings, you have won. Remember, though, I 
would not give up these papers only that circum- 
stances place me in a tight hole. I am determined 
to carry out later plans, and in order to do so suc- 
cessfully, I riiust buy you off.” 

He turns and speaks to Evangeline, who retires 
to the other room, speedily reappearing, and bear- 
ing in her hand a small packet of papers. These 
she mournfully hands to her father. Evidently the 
girl is, as much mortified as he over the ill success 
of their plans. > 

“How, Billings, here are the papers. Against 
them I have only your word of honor. I hate to 
take it but I must, as there is no other way. Tell 
me again you will make sure that suspicion is not 
cast upon us on account of the untimely death of 
that poor young man.” 

I do so readily, and make my promise as solemn 
as possible. It is no rash one. How can they be 
held responsible for Robert’s death, when he is 
alive and in good health, occupying a room in the 
same hotel as themselves.” 

The deception is done purposely of course, on my 
part— all kinds of stratagems are necessary in 
order to mislead these artful plotters of evil, for the 
end justifies the means. 

It is their gulity fears that magnify the danger 
hovering over them. 

They have plotted to take Robert’s life, and from 
the manner in which things come to pass it is 


144 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY 

natural that they should believe success came to 
their undertaking. 

Hence these wild fears. 

Andrews is assured as well as he can be, that the 
matter will be kept quiet, and hands me over the 
papers. 

These I clutch eagerly, for the sake of Billings 
and Lord Arthur. 

I have committed myself to nothing, as it has not 
been my intention to make out a case against these 
people on account of Robert’s death, for he lives. I 
do mean, however, to make an attempt to drive 
them from the country by means of the lever 
which I grasp. When I tell them that Robert is 
alive and bent upon vengeance — that he is en- 
deavoring by every means in his power to over- 
whelm them, and intends to have them brought up 
with a round turn on account of the attempt on his 
life, no doubt they will be only too glad to start for 
California, and from thence emigrate to some other 
country where the charms of Evangeline may reap 
a harvest. The world is full of fools, gifted with 
wealth, and this state of affairs is more pregnant 
among the nobles of Europe than elsewhere. 

I will look these over in my room, Burke, and if 
they are all right, you can make sure there will be 
no trouble come to you on account of Robert Ham- 
mond’s suicide.” 

With that, I gravely shake the hand of each one 
in turn, saying good-by. It is a siugular thing for 
an Englishman to do, but we take after the Ger- 
mans once in a while. 

When I come to Evangeline I am conscious of a 
strange thrill as her small hand touches mine. It 
seems to run up my arm and over to my heart like 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. U5 

a shock of electricity. I feel her eyes upon me — 
Jove! what a queer sensation they give a fellow. 
No longer do I blame Robert and the English lord 
for being her slaves — by a subtle witchery she can 
subdue almost any man. I hastily press her hand 
and drop it with something of a shudder. As I turn 
and leave the room it is all I can do to keep my 
eyes from answering the magnetic look she gives 
me. Is the girl trying her power on me? Well, for 
once she has run across a hard subject; and yet I 
have realized her wonderful charms. 

As I retreat from the room in some little con- 
fusion, I am saying to myself, that had this girl 
lived in the early days of New England, she must 
surely have been burned at the stake as a witch. 

Never mind, victory has come to me, and I rejoice 
for the sake of my friends. 

I have brought the proof of it with me, and can 
show them how an American detective works his 
case. Of course I mean to cast no reflections upon 
Billings, for in my time I too have followed a party 
pretty much around the world, endeavoring to 
secure something he held, only in my case it was a 
secret the man had to give up, and nothing tangible, 
that could be taken. 

My next move is to see the detective from over 
the water. I know where he is apt to be found, and 
seek him below. 

Just as I expect, the man is watching the stairs 
and the elevator. He does not notice, or at least 
recognize me as I descend. 

“Billings, come with me,” I say, gently. 

“Ah! Mr. Craig, how goes the game?” he asks, 
eagerly, following me to the reading-room, where 
we find a vacant corner and sit down. 


146 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEBY. 


“It is working along smoothly. By the way tell 
me what you think of my find.” 

So saying, I drop the packet before him. He 
looks at the first paper, an expression of astonish- 
ment sweeps over his face — eagerly he scans the 
others, his eyes almost bulging from their sockets. 

“Sir, you are a wizard !” he finally gasps. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEBY. 


147 


CHAPTER XIX. 

ONCE MORE TO THE BREACH. 

I laugh coolly and knock the ashes from the cigar 
I have lighted since coming from the handsome 
apartments of the Andrews. 

“A conjurer, eh, Billings? Well, I thought you 
would be pleased to have those papers, and so I 
secured them.” 

“Did you find them, really?” he asks. 

“They were handed to me by Andrews, alias 
Burke, who took them from the hand of his charm- 
ing daughter.” 

“Confusion! You really mean to tell me you 
have been with them and forced them to hand over 
these papers which they value so highly?” 

“Exactly, comrade.” 

“Why did you do this?” 

Billings is puzzled, you see— he has been almost 
overwhelmed by having the papers put in his hands, 
and cannot for the life of him understand the mo- 
tive that has infiuenced me. 

“There were several reasons, sergeant. In the 
first place, it suited my fancy to do it. Then again 
those papers were apt to bother us in our side of the 
case— so long as they held them they would feel in 
a measure independent to defy us. Last of all, I 
wanted to show both you and Lord Arthur that I 
am not ungrateful for what assistance has been 
given and promised me in this matter.” 


148 


ME VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


A peculiar look passes over Billing’s face. 
Strange, but I seem to comprehend it at once. 

‘‘See here, my friend, I want you to understand 
one thing. Those papers are yours, and no one 
shall know how they came into your possession. 
I want none of the credit.” 

He grasps my hand earnestly. 

“Ah! Craig, you are a noble fellow. There is 
nothing under the sun I wouldn’t do for you. After 
the great hunt I have made for these papers, I 
would have been ashamed to tell Lord Arthur they 
had been secured by another. You understand?” 

“ Certainly. Circumstances threw the chance in 
my way, and I seized it. You could have done the 
same, Billings.” 

“What was the lever you used?” 

“ I demanded the papers on condition that I main- 
tained silence regarding the real cause of Robert 
Hammond’s death.” 

The sergeant sees the point and laughs. 

“Of course you can keep your promise?” 

“ I went further and guaranteed that they should 
not be suspected with having anything to do with 
the young Hew Yorker’s demise.” 

Billings laughs aloud. 

He is in a jolly frame of mind just now, and even 
a small joke is like touching a match to a magazine 
— an explosion must follow. 

As he desires to hear the story I give it to him 
briefly. He is pleased to know that I personated 
him in the transaction, as it will give him prestige 
with Lord Arthur, should it eventually reach that 
gentleman’s ears. 

Billings is the most grateful man I have ever 


The vestibule limited mystebv. 149 

seen. He stands ready to do almost anything in 
order to help ‘me. 

“ First of all, kindly glance over the papers and 
tell me if they are all there, Billings. Should a 
single one be missing, tell me what it is, and I will 
again beard the lion in his den, and demand the 
lost document on pain of immediate exposure.” 

The foreign detective draws out' a memorandum- 
book, and compares some notes in it with the file 
of papers, finally nodding his head with considera- 
ble satisfaction. 

“All here, Mr. Craig, thanks to you?” he says, 
warmly. 

“ Then weTl consider that book closed for all time, 
sergeant. My lord will have no trouble in getting 
his marriage annulled now.” 

“Oh! no. This will please them all, I know.” 

My work is not yet done. 

Kobert must be protected against these harpies at 
whatever cost. 

I am afraid lest fate may take a hand in the game 
and give us another whirl before allowing victory 
to come. 

What if Robert and the girl should meet by 
chance in the corridor of the hotel — would he be 
able to resist her witchery? In spite of all he knows 
about Evangeline, I am inclined to believe the man 
would surrender. He is not yet strong enough to 
hold her aloof. 

I have endeavored in every way possible to pre- 
vent such a meeting, and do not think it will occur, 
but the thought fiashes athwart the horizon of my 
mind, and sinks out of sight, though it may rise 
again. 

When I have a case of this kind on the stocks I 


150 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


believe in hammering away at it. Strike while the 
iron is hot — those who work at forge and anvil have 
to keep this in mind, and I believe it is a good motto 
for any one. 

Hence, I see no reason why I should not hasten 
this thing on to a conclusion. The sooner Andrews 
and his daughter have departed from Chicago, the 
better for Robert. 

This time when I see the man I mean to be pre- 
pared for him. I donT like the idea of having a 
revolver pressed against the base of my skull, and 
realize that I am in the hands of desperate men. 
They will find that Duncan Craig can play at that 
game as well as others with whom he comes in 
contact. 

While I talk with Billings my thoughts are flying 
and a shape being given to the future plans, by 
means of which I expect* to overcome the difficulties 
in my way, and reach success. 

I bid Billings to seek Lord Arthur and let him 
know what has been done. They are to hold them- 
selves in readiness in the room adjoining those 
taken by Andrews — and which, as it happens, one 
of Trevellion’s friends occupies — ready to come to* 
my assistance if necessary. 

There can be no doubt but that I have an exceed- 
ingly lively job before me. Andrews will be furious 
when he learns how I have tricked him with refer- 
ence to Robert. In order to gain my end I shall be 
forced to reveal all, and lifting the vail, allow him 
to see what a fool he has been to give me the 
precious papers for Lord Arthur, before finding out 
all the particulars concerning Robert. 

He is a shrewd man, but conscience makes fools 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 151 

of US all, they say, and it certainly has of Larz 
Andrews upon this occasion. 

I muse upon the strange life this man has led — 
what a story it would make if written up in novel 
form. And the adventuress, too — I can compare 
her to none, even the Becky Sharpe of Thackertty 
fades into insignificance beside this wonderful 
creature — Becky had to depend wholly upon her 
wits, whereas Evangeline has a beauty besides that 
charms the hearts of men clean out of their bodies. 

What I have read about them in the clippings 
Billings gave me, has aroused the keenest interest 
in the pair of swindlers; and I firmly believe this 
country will owe Duncan Craig a heavy debt of 
gratitude if he can persuade the couple to emigrate 
to some foreign strand. 

For Robert’s sake I mean to do so, and not from 
any imaginary philanthropical motive. 

It is still early. 

There remains plenty of time to accomplish won- 
ders in the way of diplomacy. Given half an hour’s 
talk with Andrews, and I believe I can thoroughly 
convince the man it is decidedly to his interest to 
do just as I command. 

If things go as I intend they shall, the morrow 
will witness quite an exodus from the Palmer, at 
least of our party. Andrews and his clique will 
speed away, bound for California, Robert accom- 
pany the three Englishmen to the North-west, 
bound on a two months’ hunt, while Billings, Acton, 
and myself strike out for New York, the former to 
cross the ocean. 

Will these plans come out all right? 

A little time will tell that. Meanwhile I am de- 
termined to make it the effort of my life. Success 


152 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


means a good deal to me, for I have no doubt the 
pay will be heavy ; but it is something more than 
this that spurs me on. I have become deeply inter- 
ested, and to myself have sworn that the handsome 
adventuress must not succeed in holding her latest 
victim. 

The battle is on. 

Who will win? 

Before proceeding to Andrews’ apartments again, 
I make my way to where I have agreed to meet 
Colonel Acton. He is on hand, and pleased with 
my report. Of course I bind him to secrecy, not 
desiring Lord Arthur to know that it is I to whom 
he is indebted for the papers. 

Then I tell him how I intend to wind the affair 
up, and receive several suggestions with pleasure. 
I have always found his hints valuable, and deter- 
mine to profit by them on the present occasion. 

He asks me what share he may have in the work, 
and I can think of nothing better than that he join 
the Englishmen in their room next to the apart- 
ments of Andrews, and await further developments. 

Possibly the ingenuity of the colonel can devise 
some means of seeing what takes place there ; but 
upon this point I am not particular if he will only 
keep his ears open for the signal I am about to utter 
when I desire their presence. 

To this he promises his attention, and I am satis- 
fied all will be well. 

Before the night passes by, there may be quite 
a scene in that portion of the Palmer House, 
creating as much excitement, perhaps, as on the 
occasion when a bolt of lightning shattered the flag- 
staff and alarmed the guests. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEBY. 153 

“You are armed, Duncan?” asks the colonel, and 
I can see he is a little anxious. 

I look at my revolver. 

It is in good working order, and I am quite ready 
to risk my life if need be on it. Before now it has 
served me more than once on a pinch, and believe 
I cannot find a more faithful friend. 

“All right, my boy. Remember, if they get you 
in a hole, give the whistle, and we’ll run in to close 
the affair at once.” 

I readily promise. 

It is easy to do this, and yet I find myself hoping 
circumstances will not make it actually necessary. 
What I desire is to see the adventurer come down 
gracefully, admit I have beaten him in the game of 
wits, and promise to clear out. 

Then my victory will be complete. 

It is within sight, too, unless, as I said before, 
that unmerciful jade. Fortune, steps in to ruin it all. 

A little patience, some hard work, and lo, the re- 
sult must be in our grasp. 

So I prepare to seek the apartments of Larz 
Andrews, and tempt my fate again. In the former 
instance my boldness carried me through, and I be- 
lieve I have the same characteristic still. 

When I leave Colonel Acton it is just nine o’clock, 
and with a laugh I tell him that ere an hour has 
passed by I shall have the promise of the alarmed 
adventurer to shake the dust of Chicago from his 
feet and depart for the Pacific coast. 

“ If he says he must have money, tell him you will 
buy them two tickets to ’Frisco and place a hundred 
dollars in his hands for incidental expenses ; but if 
ever they show up again on this side of the Rockies, 
or make any attempt tq_ communicate with Robert, 


154 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


we will pursue this charge of conspiracy with intent 
to murder to the end.” 

These are the colonel’s last words, and I find they 
coincide with my views exactly. We are generally 
of one mind with regard to matters of importance, 
and this in a measure accounts for the success 
attending our efforts in the past. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


155 


CHAPTER XX. 

THE WORM TURNS. 

Without any trouble I find my way to the apart- 
ments of Andrews. Once there I knock firmly on 
the door. 

It opens. 

“What! you, again!” exclaims the man, for the 
adventurer himself has answered my rap. 

I immediately enter, without awaiting the cere- 
mony of being asked. The nature of my present 
visit is such that a bold front is necessary to carry 
me through. Andrews must understand that he is 
dealing with a man who will not be trifled with. 

As I enter the room I glance around. 

The Jewish doctor is still present, seated at the 
table, and the presence of a bottle and glasses sug- 
gests the idea that they have beeii talking about 
their plans over their liquor. 

Evangeline is not in sight. 

Coolly, I select my chair and throw a leg across 
it, resting my arms upon the back. This time I 
have been exceedingly careful to place myself so 
that there shall be no chance for any one to slip up 
behind and cover me. One experience of that kind 
has been enough. 

Andrews is surveying me in wonder. The gray- 
bearded Jew scowls. Between them they do not 
present a very inviting appearance; but it is no 
more than I have expected, 


156 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

“Well, what do you want now?” demands the 
adventurer, his voice husky either with emotion or 
the effect of numerous potations. 

“Where is your daughter — I want all to hear 
what I have to say.” 

This is the truth, but only a portion of it. I really 
am anxious to have the whole three of them under 
Hiy eye, so that it will be , utterly impossible to 
execute a flank movement without my knowledge. 

“She is not here. There was a lady at supper 
whom she knew abroad, and Evangeline has run to 
her room to have a chat with her.” 

I am looking directly in Anderws’ face while he 
speaks thus, and have an idea he lies. The girl 
may not be in the rooms, but I doubt very much 
whether she has gone on the harmless errand he 
makes mention of. 

One fact I notice. 

When I was in here before, her hat lay upon a 
little side-table — I noticed it particularly, for it was 
a jaunty affair, with a vail attached. It no longer 
is in sight. 

Why should she wear a hat if only running to 
another room of the hotel. That is a point that 
causes me to believe Andrews lies. 

Then like lightning I conjecture where the girl 
can have gone. 

There is but one place that strikes me as plausible 
—she has gone to the hospital to push her inquiries. 
They have promised to keep the fact of Robert’s re- 
covery and departure a dead secret, but I am ready 
to wager dollars to dollars that even the doctor 
himself will not be able to hold out against her 
entreaties. 

Well, what of it? 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 157 

Long ere she comes back, I expect to have dis- 
closed the whole affair. She would have been saved 
the journey had she but known of my intended 
visit. 

“Be seated, colonel. I have come to give you 
some information which alters the case, and to 
make new terms.” 

My tone is light, but I keep both of the men under 
my eye, for I do not trust them. When they learn 
how I have hoodwinked them on the occasion of 
my previous visit, there will probably be something 
of a scene, and as I am interested in this affair, it is 
only proper I should hold myself in readiness to 
meet the emergency. 

They are all a<ttentioh. 

“Gentlemen, it is only fair that 1 should tell you 
in the start that when I represented myself to you 
as Sergeant Billings of Scotland Yard, I deceived 
you ; but I represented that worthy man, who is 
under this roof at present.” 

“You are very cool about it, man. What have 
you done with the papers?” demands Andrews. 

“ They have been handed over to the keeping of 
the London officer, who starts East some time to- 
morrow ; so you can consider that case closed. 
What I desire to talk with you about now, concerns 
another matter.” 

Both men frown. 

“Wait. A word with you first of all,” says An- 
drews, in a surly tone. 

“Well, out with it.” 

“Do you intend to keep your vow?” 

“ Will you repeat what it was.” 

Looking surprised and uneasy he goes on : 


168 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

“You promised that we would not be brought 
under suspicion for Kobert’s death.” 

“Well?” 

“Do you mean to stick to that?” 

“I do.” 

“And you have the power to accomplish it— you 
can allow the— affair to remain as it is, a mystery?” 

“Certainly. You will never be tried for his mur- 
der,” I reply, confidently. 

“Who are you, if not Billings?” 

“A New York detective.” 

“What! Hired by his family?” 

I nod in reply. 

“But see here — I don’t understand. If you are in 
their employ, it must be to your interest to know the 
truth.” 

“I do know it; but it does not put a dollar in my 
pocket whether I keep the secret or let them know 
the truth. As I have given you my word on that 
score I shall keep it.” 

“Good. You spoke of other business — what does 
that mean?” 

“ I said I was here to make new terms with you, 
Colonel Andrews.” 

As I speak, I rub my side with my right hand, 
which then falls on my knee ; in this position I have 
found it easier to get my hand in the side-pocket of 
my sack coat, and grasp the revolver snugly lying 
there. The emergency that may require some such 
sudden move as this is near at hand, and I believe 
in being: prepared. 

“ Terms— on what basis, sir?” he demands. 

“Silence, again.” 

My answer confuses him. 

“You talk in riddles, AVe are face to face— there 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 159 

is no one near to hear what you may say. Speak 
out and tell me what it is you propose to keep silent 
about.” 

“ Colonel Andrews, your liberty is as dear to you 
as to most men, I suppose.” 

“Well?” 

“You would look with horror upon a sentence of 
ten years at Joliet at hard labor.” 

He shudders and glances at his white hands, that 
have evidently never known the soil of honest 
labor. I can well understand the horror such a 
man feels toward work. 

“Yes, I would sooner die than stand such a 
sentence, and you know it,” he mutters. 

“I could easily guess it, anyhow. Now, my dear 
man, you stand a good chance of having such a 
sentence passed upon you and within a limited 
space of time.” 

“Explain — on what charge.” 

“This mystery of the Limited express.” 

“The Robert Hammond affair?” 

“Yes.” 

“ Ah ! but my dear sir, where is your guarantee — 
of what avail does it become unless it shields me 
from the consequences of that — accident?” 

“Andrews, can you repeat my words?” 

“Spoken when you were here before?” 

“Yes.” 

“I think so. Let me see. Once you said ‘you 
may be sure there will be no trouble come to you on 
account of Robert Hammond's suicide.’ ” 

“Word for word.” 

“Again you declared, ‘I give you my solemn word 
of honor that if you do as I say, you will not be 
molested on account of Robert’s death.’ ” 


leo THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MVSTERV. 

“Colonel, you have a good memory.” 

“I always had. Did I repeat all you said?” 

“I think you covered the ground pretty well,” I 
reply, nonchalantly. 

“Then, sir, explain what in the duse you mean, 
after giving me that assurance, telling me that you 
come here again on account of the Hammond case.” 

“ Ah ! my dear man, it looks like the same thing 
to you, but in reality there is a distinction with a 
difference. One case relates to Kobert Hammond 
living — the other to Kobert Hammond dead!” 

“What?” 

“Plainly speaking. Colonel Andrews, when I was 
here before I deceived you, or rather allowed you to 
deceive yourself. The afternoon papers did say 
that Hammond was dead, for you saw the account, 
but for once the afternoon papers lied.” 

“ Robert — is — alive ?” 

“Yes, he has been saved miraculously. Your 
poison failed to do its work — it often does when an 
over or underdose is taken. Robert is not only 
alive but back in his senses. He is furious at the 
deception put upon him and swears to have re- 
venge.” 

“Malediction!” he grates. 

“You may well say that, sir, and if you could see 
that young hot head storming for retaliation and 
revenge, you would tremble.” 

“Is it so bad as that?” 

“You will see for yourself, sir, if you remain in 
this hotel ten hours longer. He has fallen in with 
another of your daughter's victims — Lord Trevel- 
lion — who is stopping here, and the two are even 
now planning to have you arrested and sent up. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 161 

The proof is overwhelming, and they are sure to 
succeed.” 

Andrews’ look of alarm passes off. 

Doubts begin to flock into his mind. 

“ Perhaps so. All this sounds very plausible, but 
there is one thing that puzzles me.” 

‘‘State it, sir.” 

“You are a detective?” 

“lam.” 

“You work for money?” 

“ I am generally paid for my services— it is a busi- 
ness with me.” 

“Exactly. Now, will you tell me, fellow, what 
you are to gain by this thing?” 

“That is simple enough. I am paid to save 
Robert from your clutches. It has been accom- 
plished more through a combination of circum- 
stances than any effort of mine. But that is not all. 
His family is a proud one. I would save them the 
disgrace attached to a public rehearsal of their 
troubles. Henjpe, I am here to make you an offer. 
If you wait until these two hot-heads perfect their 
plans, they will overwhelm you. Leave Chicago at 
once — I will buy you two tickets to San Francisco, 
and if you ever show yourselves east of the Rockies 
again, or bring Robert’s name in reproach, the in- 
dictment held over your heads will surely fall. They 
punish severely for such an attempt at murder as 
you have made.” 

A black scowl convulses his features, and the Are 
of hate flashes from his eyes. 

“And you are the man to whom I owe all this 
trouble— but for you I would still hold the docu- 
ments that brings Lord Arthur down on his knees— 


162 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


had you been out of the game Robert might have 
died,” he says, slowly. 

“Yes, I admit I saved his life, and in doing so did 
you the best turn of all, in preventing you from 
going to the gallows. Remember that.” 

“I remember nothing except my wrongs. You 
are an infernal scoundrel, you police spy. No doubt 
you laugh in your sleeve at having placed me in a 
corner, but even a rat at bay will fight ; and as f or 
me, here and now I mean to have your life — do you 
hear, you dog — ^your life I” 


m 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


163 


CHAPTER XXI. 

AT BAY. 

I have no intention of allowing this mad adven- 
turer to accomplish what his words would indicate 
his purpose to be. 

My life is just as valuable to me as that of any 
man, no matter what his position, and I do not care 
to have it puffed out simply because a villain 
whom I have brought to bay in the midst of his 
wicked schemes chooses to believe that by extin- 
guishing me, he may have a better chance to exist. 

On the contrary I feel that if any one has to die 
it had better be Andrews, since he is a nuisance to 
the community at large, an excresence on the tree 
of life. 

That is the prime reason why I have come to this 
meeting armed and equipped, and ready to defend 
myself to the last. 

While Andrews is uttering these wild words he 
is fumbling in the drawer of a table that stands 
between us, and from this I understand that the 
revolver has been hidden there. 

I see him clutch something and draw it out, and 
the mere glimpse I am allowed tells me he has 
secured the weapon. 

With a sudden dextrous swed^) of my left hand, I 
manage to send the revolver out of his grasp. It 
flies across the room and falls to the floor without 
exploding. 

Andrews sinks back in his chair with a gasp of 


164 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY 

surprise. He is incapable of motion for the time 
being, my sudden action having given him quite a 
rude shock. 

Another actor appears. 

The old Jew doctor seems to realize that he* has a 
share in this game, and uttering a confused jumble 
of exclamations, whether Hebrew, Sanskrit or some- 
thing else I am unable to say, he springs over to 
where the fallen weapon lies. 

I am ready for all comers by this time, as my 
own revolver flashes in my hand. 

^‘Hold! touch that on your life, man. Don’t you 
see I’m covering you?” I exclaim. 

The Jew turns his head, even as his eager hand is 
outstretched to grasp the prize, and discovers that I 
speak the exact truth. 

After that he cannot be hired to touch the weapon 
lying on the floor. Strange as it may seem, life is 
worth living even to him. 

“Come back to your seat,’-’ I say, quietly, but 
there is something in my voice that warns the old 
man not to refuse. 

I am not in a mood to be played with — this busi- 
ness is too serious for that. When property is in 
danger the man set to guard it must be vigilant, 
and when evil plotters are scheming even against 
human life it is right that he should be doubly 
vigilant. 

These two villains would not make much over 
murdering me, and resting their case upon some 
plausible excuse th^t, with the use of gold, and the 
charming face of Andrews’ daughter, might cause 
a susceptible jury to disagree. 

To win the game I comprehend full well what it 
is necessary for me to do. I must hold them well in 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


165 


hand, just as an enthusiastic horseman does his 
trotters when out for a spin. With a tight rein I am 
their master, since I have a curb-bit in their 
mouths — if I let them have a slack line then look 
out for squalls. 

My experience in the past has taught me this, and 
I know how to profit by it. 

When the gray-bearded Jew has slunk back to 
his seat, I have both of them under my eye ; but I 
keep the revolver in sight. There can be no telling 
how soon I may have to use it, should either or both 
of the rascals become obstreperous. 

Andrews is watching me closely — his breath 
comes hard, and it reminds me of a hunted animal 
at last brought to bay. 

That is what he is exactly. 

“ Go on, curse you, fortune is against me. What 
else have you to say?” 

He does not take his defeat gracefully — I am 
really disappointed in the man, for judging from 
his debonair manner I have expected that when 
cornered he would laugh, shrug his shoulders, and 
declare it was fate. Here he bridles up just like a 
common, every day rascal, and even wants to take 
my life. 

Well, there certainly is no accounting for tastes, 
and I have to accept them as they come. 

‘‘You might as well take it easy, Andrews. I am 
in no particular hurry. You cannot avert your 
fate, and if you are a sensible man youTl listen to 
reason,” I remark. 

The fellow realizes that I speak the truth, and 
makes an effort to recover himself. He knows this 
childish passion must only get him into new diffi- 
culties, and not help his case. I can see his features 


166 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEEY. 

working, as he endeavors to get them back into 
something like their regular appearance, and in 
this he succeeds to a certain extent. 

“ Look the matter calmly in the face, colonel, and 
you will see that I am right. You are in a hole— a 
desperate position. There is only one way of escape 
open to you. I hold the door ready to let you all 
out. The question is do you want to go, or will you 
drown like so many rats in a trap?” 

“All very good, man, but you have ruined my 
plans that seemed so near fruition.” he says. 

“They were never so far advanced as you be- 
lieved. You have been closely followed and your 
every movement watched. You could not have 
succeeded in your plans— it was impossible. At 
any rate, we will not discuss that. You have a 
chance of getting away if you please.” 

“ Empty-handed. ” 

“Virtually so, but what does that matter? A man 
of your accomplishments, backed by a daughter so 
charming, will not long remain out of funds, I am 
sure.” 

“You flatter me.” 

“Not at all. I know you, colonel, and do not 
underrate your ability. You will have much suc- 
cess in the future, before your downfall. That does 
not concern me. I am only interested in keeping 
Eobert Hammond away from you, in order to save 
his family the scandal of knowing that he has been 
engaged in a shooting scrape in the Palmer 
House.” 

He seems to reflect. 

“ Repeat your terms again.” 

I do so. 

“ And these are the only ones you offe;*?” 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEKY. 


167 


Yes.” 

“If I refuse to avail myself of them?” 

I shrug my shoulders. 

“So much the worse for you, colonel.” 

“But you dare not arrest me.” 

“ Try me and see. Such a course on your part 
simply means that we have a choice between two 
evils — we must allow you to annoy the Hammond 
family, or else go through a public trial and put 
you where you can do no harm for years to come. 
Surely, there can be no doubt where we stand. 
Do not indulge in any false hope that you will es- 
cape. Baffled in his mad desire for personal revenge, 
Robert Hammond will surely push the case against 
you for all that it is worth. 

“ As to the amount of evidence — let me enumerate 
the things against you ; 

“Your past is known, and through Lord Arthur it 
can be proven that you attempted this same game 
upon him, over in England. Then there is the fact 
of Evangeline marrying again when she claims to 
already have a legal husband. 

“ That proves a deep motive in the game. I am 
able to show that the prescription which Robert 
presented to the druggist, was written by yonder 
miserable hound— Samuels. I can also prove and 
swear that I saw her hand Robert the little vial 
which Samuels filled from the square bottle that 
was tossed from the train. Yes, if necessary, I 
can go back and find that very bottle, for I marked 
the spot where it fell, and know it was just when 
we were slowing up to cross a certain bridge. 

“As to the deadly nature of the contents of the 
vial she gave him, I proved that before the terrified 
eyes of young Hammond. 


168 


THE VESTIBULE LlMITEl) MYSTEEV. 


“ The porter had a half-grown Maltese cat in a 
grape-basket in the smoking compartment. I in- 
fluenced Robert to allow a few drops of the fluid to 
trickle down its throat, and the result was that the 
animal died in a few minutes.” 

Andrews gives me a startled look. 

“ Hold on there. Do you mean to tell me that in 
the face of all this, that man was fool enough to 
swallow the balance of the — the opiate?” 

I smile at his astonishment. 

“Not much, colonel. He deliberately emptied all 
of the poison into the bowl, and washed it down.” 

“You saw him do this?” eagerly. 

I know what manner of straw he grasps for. 

“ Yes.” 

“You will swear to it?” 

“At any time.” 

“ Then, my dear man, what do you mean by de- 
claring that we attempted to poison young Ham- 
mond, and to say we are responsible for his nearly 
dying at the hospital, when in the same breath you 
declare he did not take the liquid at all? You have 
no case.” 

His spirits rise. 

It is the first gleam of hope that has come to the 
poor wretch for some time — his hands have suc- 
ceeded in grasping the edge and it is my duty to 
beat them off again, leaving him floundering in the 
Pool of Despond. 

“It is true, colonel, that Robert’s condition was 
the result of an epileptic fit or something of that 
nature, to which he is subject; but that does not let 
you out. 

“ The proof is overwhelming that you three 
formed a clique on board the Limited— that you 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


169 


deliberately plotted to take his life, and would 
undoubtedly have succeeded had it not been for 
my watchfulness. 

“ It does not matter at all, whether you had any- 
thing to do with the coma that came upon him 
during the night— let any jury hear the facts, as we 
can present them, and you will be surprised to see 
how fast they will railroad you to prison. We do 
things in a big hurry over here, Colonel Andrews, 
when we attempt them at all.” 

His face drops again. 

I have succeeded in taking the wind out of his 
sails, and his bark loses steerage-way. 

‘‘There is no escape?” he mutters. 

“None, save over the road to ’Frisco. You should 
be glad of the chance. Your plans are totally 
ruined here, and if once that fire-eater Hammond 
gets hold of you, there will be the duse to pay.” 

“At any rate, it might be worse.” 

“Decidedly. I am glad to see you turn philo- 
sophical, colonel. It shows you are gradually get- 
ting back to your old self again.” 

“Tell me what you want.” 

“With pleasure.” 

“You have ink, pen, and paper here, I suppose?” 

“Paper, but nothing else.” 

“Ah! here is a fountain pen I carry for just such 
emergencies, colonel. Get the paper. “ 

He does so. 

“Now seat yourself at the table.” 

“You want me to write?” 

“Ido.” 

“And commit myself on paper?” 

“What I give you to put down will not harm you, 


170 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

but simply clear Kobert. I must have it in the 
interest of his family.” 

“I don’t see the necessity.” 

It is not my policy to infuriate him— I do not 
believe in baiting a chained bear lest he either do 
mischief to himself or break his chain, and dash 
at his tormentor. 

So I speak quietly. 

“There is a necessity, however, on both sides. 
With you it means liberty — with the people I repre- 
sent, silence. Do you understand, this paper will 
never see the light of day unless you talk of the 
Hammonds, or your daughter attempts to claim 
that her ridiculous marriage with Kobert was 
genuine.” 

“You swear to this?” 

“Ido.” 

“Then proceed with the funeral. Let me hear 
what it is you desire me to write.” 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


171 


CHAPTER XXII. 

A CRISIS IN OUR FORTUNES. 

We make quite a picture, and since that time it 
has often come up in my mind, causing me to 
smile. 

First, there is the jaunty Andrews— he looks 
care-worn and anxious now — seated at the table, 
pen in hand, paper before him, and his eyes cast 
down as he waits to hear what sort of communica- 
tion I am about to make. Such a character would 
attract attention anywhere, for he is a handsome 
fellow. 

Then there is the old Jew, bending forward and 
listening eagerly, as though he realizes that his fate 
trembles in the balance, subject to the whim of the 
adventurer. His long gray beard gives him some- 
thing of the look of a patriarch. The expression of 
his face is one of absolute fear, and I shall never 
forget it. Last of all, the gas-light in that elegant 
apartment in the Palmer House falls upon myself. 
I still sit with the back of the chair in front of me, 
and hold the revolver in my hand, while I watch 
the two schemers. 

“Date your paper, colonel.” 

“I have done so.” 

“Then begin. H, Colonel Larz Andrews, do de- 
clare in writing over my signature, that there was 
no legal ceremony between Robert Hammond and 
my daughter Evangeline, and that under the cir- 


172 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

cumstances they are not and have never been man 
and wife.’ ” 

He starts in to write, then stops. 

“I refuse to put that down.” 

“Why should you? It is the truth and we can 
prove it. To do so we must convict your daughter 
of bigamy — a serious offense in this country as it is 
in England.” 

“But you make me convict myself. How am I to 
tell in what manner you will use this paper. There 
is another way of reaching the same end without 
giving me a passport to prison over my own 
signature. ” 

“ I suppose so. Get ready again. Let us see— 
suppose we put it this way : 

“I, Larz Andrews, although acting under the 
belief at the time that my daughter was free to 
marry, have discovered since that this was not so, 
and do now declare in writing over my own sig- 
nature ’” 

“ Hold on till I get that,” 

The pen scratches for a minute, and then he reads 
what he has written. 

“Continue.” 

“‘That there was no legal ceremony between 
Robert Hammond and my daughter, known as 
Evangeline, and that, under the circumstances, 
they are not and have never been man and wife.’” 

He continues to write. 

“There. Let me read it out.” 

He has not missed a word. 

“ What do you think of it in that shape?” I ask, 
mentally wondering whether he will sign, for 
there’s many a slip twixt the cup and tb^^ lip. 

“I don’t know that I need object to signing it in 


The vestibule limited mystery. Its 

that style, for it drops me down easy. Before I do 
so, let me understand several things. In the first 
place what use do you intend making of this docu- 
ment?” 

“ As I told you before, it is only meant to hold in 
reserve, in case you are tempted to give the Ham- 
mond family trouble at some future time. So long 
as you remain away from the East, and say nothing' 
about this ugly business, you need have no fear 
that they will produce this paper.” 

“ So far, good. In the second place, you promised 
me something.” 

“Tickets for two to ’Frisco.” 

“Make it three,” with a glance at Samuels, by 
which I understand their fortunes are united. 

I pretend to hesitate, but remember that the hun- 
dred dollars extra I am authorized to offer will 
cover this extra fare. 

“Well, call it three first-class tickets from Chicago 
to San Francisco.” 

“Done, man.” 

He bends forward to sign his name, but the Jew, 
darting forward, whispers something. 

“See here, have you anything against Samuels?” 
asks Andrews. 

“Yes, he shall write me a document similar to 
yours, and sign it. He is in the same boat with 
you, and must sink or swim. Perhaps a postscript 
below will answer. Sign, Colonel Andrews, and 
give place to your confederate, the man who 
handled the poison.” 

I smile to see the' old sinner cringe under my ac- 
cusing words. They scorch like a hot iron. He 
can hardly v^ait for Andrews to finish, he is so 
eager to do as I say. 


174 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEKY. 


Andrews signs. 

I breathe easier when I see him do this, believing 
I have a firm hold of the reins, and the victory is 
near. 

Something prevents me from seeing the shadow 
of the advancing cloud. 

Samuels takes his place at the table, and, at my 
dictation, writes out what is really a confession of 
his share in the contemplated crime, though he 
does not realize it, and Andrews’ thoughts appear 
to be elsewhere, for as he stands there, his head is 
bent in a listening attitude. 

I, too, have heard voices in the hall outside, but 
pay little attention to them, my whole energy being 
devoted just at present to carrying this affair to a 
successful end. 

Once let me get that paper in my possession, and 
I can defy fate. Such is the thought that flashes 
through my mind. 

Samuels writes. 

He is slow at it, forming each letter with the 
greatest care, as might a schoolboy. I cannot 
hurry him, impatient as I am to get through with 
the matter. 

Gradually he gets down what I have dictated, 
and signs his name at the bottom with a grand 
flourish. 

Little does he suspect that in doing so he has 
made out a pass for himself to visit Joliet, and re- 
main there for ten years, if I should ever take a 
fancy to use it in the future ; but I mean to keep 
faith with these men, and whether the confession 
is ever brought into court, depends entirely upon 
them. 

They can invite an attack by rash conduct, while 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 175 

if they show wisdom there will never be trouble. 

I rise to take the paper. 

“Wait!” says Andrews, coolly. 

Eager as I am to seize the document, I remain 
quiet to see what he has to say. At the worst, I 
believe a sudden movement on my part will secure 
it for me. 

“You should keep your promises.” 

“About the tickets?” 

“Exactly.” 

“ Look here, colonel, do you expect me to carry 
around a ticket agent’s outfit? I have no tickets, 
but I pledge you my word of honor they shall be in 
your hands by nine A. M. to-morrow.” 

“ Why should I believe you, when you have de- 
ceived me before?” 

“You are wrong. I promised that you would not 
be troubled on account of Robert’s death, nor have 
you been.” 

“Anyhow, you pulled the wool over my eyes,” he 
grumbles, sore at having been beaten. 

“Ah! that was all in the game, colonel. Now, 
you ask what reason have you for believing these 
tickets will be forthcoming? The best of reasons. 
It is our earnest desire that you shake the dust of 
Chicago from your feet as speedily as possible, and 
our interest causes us to put no obstacle in your 
way. The sooner you start the better we are pleased. 
Again, I solemnly promise the three tickets shall be 
in your hands by nine o’clock, if I have to purchase 
them myself.” 

He seems to have some faith in me after all, or 
else realizes that he cannot hope to do better. At 
any rate he draws back as though to allow me the 
privilege of taking the paper. 


176 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEEY. 

This I am about to do when I pause. 

The voices in the hall have grown louder as 
though approaching the door. One seems to belong 
to a female, and it strikes me that I have heard it 
before— yes, it certainly belongs to Evangeline. 

To whom is she talking? 

I do not seem to know the voice— possibly it is 
some friend, or a new acquaintance — but why such 
excitement — unless my ears deceive me, she is cry- 
ing while she speaks. 

Really, this is all very odd. 

Something seems to impel me to listen, even when 
the precious paper is lying there'^almost within my 
grasp. 

Even the Jew has started up, and clutching his 
chair, turns a startled face toward the door. His 
hearing must be acute if he distinguishes more than 
I do, but then the man’s fears may have some- 
thing to do with it. 

The sounds still draw nearer — they are now 
almost at the door. 

Andrews has turned deadly pale, as I see when I 
shoot a glance in his direction. He has extended 
one arm for support, and rests against the wall, his 
eyes glued upon the door, his ears drinking in the 
sounds. 

Mechanically, I pick up the confession, give it 
several quick folds, and stow it away in my inside 
pocket. 

If the worst comes, I have this to hold over the 
heads of the plotters, and it is an instrument that 
must force obedience. 

Somehow, when it has been secured, I seem to 
breathe easier, just as a man, threatened by a 
storm, reaches shelter. As yet, even the first sus- 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 177 

picion of the truth has not flashed into my brain— I 
only know that there is some impending evil hang- 
ing over me, and which must soon break forth. 

The truth, when it does come, almost staggers me 
with its force — to think that such a thing should 
occur at all, and above everything else, just when I 
am on the point of arranging matters to bring us 
the victory. 

Thank Heaven, the paper is signed, and I can 
hold the authors of the document to its provisions. 
They will not dare go back on it. 

The first intimation of the truth that comes to me 
is when I fully catch the tone of the voice outside — 
what is it the man cries, in almost despairing 
tones : 

“Evangeline, I cannot, must not go. Take your 
arms from about my neck, girl. You drive me 
mad — I worship and yet detest you. Let me go, I 
say. We can be nothing to each other after this.” 

“Ho, no, I will not let you go. You belong to me — 
I love you so. They told me you were dead — that 
cruel, wicked man did. Oh ! Robert, believe me, 
trust me. I am your wife!” cries the lovely de- 
ceiver. 

“Ho, no!” exclaims Robert, still struggling 
against her subtle power, but his voice is weak— he 
cannot long resist with those arms about him, and 
this charming creature whom he adores, calling 
herself his wife. 

“ But I say I am, dispute it who dares. It is all a 
plot to separate us. They cannot do such a wicked 
thing. You are mine, and I am yours forever. 
Come, let us go in and show my father that you 
live. He will be delighted, for he has taken on so 
3ince I told him we were married.” 


178 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

The handle of the door turns — they are about to 
enter. I resume my position with the back of the 
chair under my arms, and allow my chin to rest 
upon one of them. So the door is thrown open, and 
those who have been excitedly speaking outside in 
the corridor, enter. 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


179 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

CUTTING THE CLAWS OP THE TIGRESS. 

Poor Robert ! 

Of course what I have heard has prepared me in 
a measure for the scene, and yet I have hardly 
expected such a sight. No time has been granted 
me to think over the situation either, and this 
makes it something of a surprise. 

Evangeline enters. 

Her lovely face is tear-bedewed, and evidently 
she has received quite a shock that has started the 
crocodile-drop factory into play. Some people can 
cry to order — such ones make good actors, and this 
girl is an adept. I can easily realize the stunning 
force of her amazement at meeting Robert face to 
face in the corridor. She fully believed him dead, 
and upon thus seeing him, as 1 afterward learned, 
believed it was his accusing spirit come back to 
mock her. 

She came very near falling, and seeing the wild 
expression on her face, and noting her tottering 
form, Robert sprang forward on the spur of the 
moment, to prevent such a catastrophe. 

It was a wonder she did not betray herself in that 
one moment of terror. Feeling his arms of flesh 
and blood about her, a sudden revulsion of feeling 
overcame her, and she realized that it was Robert 
in the flesh— that she had been deceived. 

Then the enchantress practiced her wiles again— 
she clasped her beautiful arms around his neck, 


iso THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

she gave him little chance to say a word, but 
speaking rapidly, and lovingly, slowly but surely 
dragged him into the net once more. 

I cannot blame Kobert. 

He is bewildered— the old feelings within him 
temporarily rise up and crush the new desire for 
revenge — her voice and touch again bind him hand 
and foot. It is like the runaway slave, tracked by 
the hounds, treed, and led back once more to cap- 
tivity. The shackles are on his ankles — he has 
again succumbed to the enemy. 

When I see him entering with his lovely captor, 
who will not let him go, I am compelled to smile. 
A thought flashes unbidden into my mind. I re- 
member telling the colonel that Robert’s nature has 
changed — that he is now a flerce vengeance seeker, 
bent upon paying back the long score. 

This, then, is my mad young New Yorker — this 
desperate fellow, ready to overleap any obstacles in 
order to have revenge. He comes in with the aspect 
of a lamb — indeed, in my mind there is something 
of the whipped-cur look about Robert just now — he 
hangs his head and seems to be heartily ashamed. 

In this fact I take hope that his present infatua- 
tion is but temporary, and that he can be easily 
broken of it. 

Again I say, that while I feel sorry for the young 
fellow, I hardly blame him. The sudden renewal of 
his former relations with Evangeline, and above all 
the fact that she has secured a hold upon him, 
dims his faculties for the moment. He will see 
again as before, I have no doubt. 

After my one glance at Robert, I turn my whole 
attention upon the girl. 

She has entered the room with a proud expression 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITEB MYSTERV. i8l 

on her face, as though she feels that she has jus 
accomplished a great thing. 

I have a dim recollection of having read about 
the old Roman generals coming before Csesar with 
the enemies they had captured. 

She does not notice me at first, her eyes having 
fallen upon the colonel, and she moves toward him, 
still holding on to her victim. 

“Father, some one has deceived us — see, here is 
Robert, my husband, alive and well, only a little 
confused in his mind. They have put poison into 
it, but he knows the truth now. Who could have 
done this, father?” 

Her part is well acted, and I hope we are not 
about to have trouble with Robert. Really, there is 
no telling what a man will do when thus held under 
a spell. 

Andrews has not forgotten me. 

Even the coming of his accomplished daughter, 
and the fact that she has again succeeded in roping 
in her almost lost victim, does not appear to dis- 
sipate that heavy frown from his face. 

Turning partly, he stretches out his arm and 
points directly at me. 

“There is the man who has undone us, girl,” he 
utters, in a deep voice. 

Then for the first time, Evangeline notices me. 

My presence and peculiarly cool position, with my 
arms over the back of the chair, strike her with 
dismay. Perhaps the sight of the weapon which I 
grasp also tells her that I have been master of the 
' situation before her coming. 

She utters an exclamation. 

“ That man again ! We are lost !” 

At the same time she mechanically releases her 


182 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTEKY. 

grasp upon poor Kobert, for which I am glad, as 
her power grows weaker when she fails to thrill 
him with her magnetic touch — the electric circuit is 
broken. 

I am in no hurry to speak, for I wish to gather 
my thoughts in order to form a plan of action. 

Indeed, in such cases it is wise to let the enemy 
make the attack and show their hand. Andrews is 
curious to know what effect this new feature will 
have upon his fortunes. He forgets certain facts, 
and I can even see a slight gleam of hope creeping 
over his features. 

Evidently, he has in the past been accustomed to 
depending a good deal upon this talented daughter, 
and even now begins to believe she may get them 
out of the tangle. 

It is with Evangeline I must cope. 

Andrews himself is not worthy of being called an 
antagonist, any more than the Jew — true, he counts 
one when you come to add up the number of those 
pitted against me, but there is no likelihood of the 
affair degenerating into a fight now, and he is 
worth little in a game of wits. 

Hence, I count him out in my calculations, and 
only keep an eye in his direction to see that he does 
not attempt some treacherous business. 

The girl faces me. 

She does not shrink from the encounter, and I am 
really forced to admire her daring. She seems to 
realize how much there is at stake, though of course 
not appreciating the whole force of the situation, 
having been out of the room during the time An- 
drews and I had our last little engagement. 

I can feel her eyes upon me — never have I seen 
such a pair of eyes since. They seem to burn with 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


183 


the intensity of their gaze, and yet, thank Heaven, 
I am invulnerable to their power. 

Perhaps they are bent upon me more in anger 
than with the intention of charmi;^ me now. That 
may account for my power of resistance to a great 
extent. 

‘‘So, you have come back again, after giving your 
promise — you think no more of breaking your word 
than I do of snapping my fingers. You are a 
coward, a wretch too low for my scorn.” 

It is quite a treat to see her carry on so, but if she 
expects me to grovel under, her taunts, she makes a 
big mistake. I am not in that line just at present, 
and besides, I do not feel any withering effect of 
her scorn. 

“ Easy, my girl ; you are only hurting yourself by 
such language. It glances from me as though I 
wore a suit of armor. I am accustomed to dealing 
with people of your class, and the scorn of rogues 
and plotting adventurers, who would be murderers 
only for my care, is daily food to me. 

“Suppose you bottle up your heroics now and 
listen a little to plain reason, as your father, the 
gallant colonel, has before you.” 

She eyes me in fine frenzy, and if looks could kill, 
I am sure I would be slain on the spot. 

“You are a wretch to talk to a woman in that 
way, and if either of these men had the spirit of a 
mouse, they would give you what you deserve for 
doing it.” 

“ Fortunately, both of these men understand that 
I am not to be trified with, and that I will take 
summary means of defending myself should the 
occasion demand it. As for your other charge, I 
hope I am above insulting any lady, but when you 


184 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY 

descend to the role of a criminal, and come within 
an ace of being a murderess, you cannot expect to 
be treated with the same consideration your sex 
would otherwisegcommand. 

“Now, suppose we drop all personalities, and pro- 
ceed to business. Is there anything which you 
would like to ask me?” 

“As I said before, why have you broken your 
word with us? Is a solemn vow of no importance 
in your sight, man?” 

I glance toward Andrews. 

He opens his mouth to speak, but a motion of my 
hand silences him. 

“Evangeline, your question is a foolish one. You 
do not stop to think. Can you tell me just what 
my solemn promise was?” 

“You gave us assurance that we would not be 

suspected or troubled about ” here she stops and 

turns a startled look toward Eobert, as the truth 
rushes over her in overwhelming power causing 
her face to turn deadly white, and then sending the 
scarlet tide over cheeks and brow and neck in a 
great wave. 

I finish her uncompleted sentence. 

“Robert Hammond’s death. Well, neither shall 
you be. There he stands, in good health bodily,^ and 
mentally also I hope, despite your efforts. I shall 
keep my word, and you shall not be troubled on that 
score. I gave no other promise.” 

“No, but you deceived us.” 

“Ah! indeed. You deceived him, I believe, and 
he came within an ace of paying for it with his 
life.” 

“That has nothing to do with your case, sir. You 
made us a promise, and all the while knew you 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 185 

were taking goods without being able to give an 
equivalent.” 

How sharply she arraigns me — if she were indeed 
a true-minded lady instead of being an adventuress, 
bold and unprincipled, I would cower under her 
bitter tongue as the criminal does under the Dela- 
ware lash. As it is I pay little attention to her 
words save to admire her splendid acting. 

“We will dismiss this, if you please. Whatever I 
have done, you must remember, was in the interest 
of justice and humanity. We cannot always choose 
our methods when dealing with desperate charac- 
ters, and the fact that I had saved a human life 
was enough to urge me on. We will now return to 
business.” 

“Yes, by the way, what is your business here, Mr. 
Police Spy?” 

Her coolness is amazing, but I know she is 
wrought up to a tense point, and if the case goes 
against her, when the climax comes, as I fully be- 
lieve must be so, she will have a collapse. 

“I have concluded it with your father.” 

“But it concerns me?” 

“Unquestionably.” 

“Then it is only fair that I should hear it.” 

“You are right, and I see no reason why I should 
not inform you at once. I have arranged with 
Colonel Andrews for an exodus.” 

“What?” 

“You three will be provided with tickets to San 
Francisco, and will leave Chicago to-morrow morn- 
ing, bound West. If you ever dare to boast of your 
connection with the Hammond family, so as to 
bring their name into a scandal, or venture to ap- 
pear east of the Rocky Mountains again, the ven- 


186 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


geance of the law will fall. You understand what 
I mean— what do you say?” 

“I refuse to go.” 

“ jY h ! I am not surprised — you fail to comprehend 
the situation, my girl. What do you propose to do 
about it?” 

I desire to draw her out, and my plan succeeds. . 

She stands up erect and looks me in the eye. j 

“ I propose to remain here in Chicago with my i 
husband, and Robert will defend his wife against 
any slander you may raise.” 

“ Indeed 1 I see you force me to extreme measures. 

I will call in some others near at hand who are 
interested in this business.” 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


187 


CHAPTER XXIV, 

CONCLUSION. 

As I speak, I give a low but distinct whistle, 
which must certainly be heard by those waiting in 
the adjoining room. 

Sure enough they immediately file in, one after 
another, and I am surprised and pleased to see 
Robert’s sister Therese among them. 

At sight of Lord Arthur, Evangeline starts, and 
momentarily loses her splendid self-possession, but, 
quickly recovers. It is evident that she has recog- 
nized her former victim in spite of the great change 
in his appearance. His presence bodes her case no 
good. 

The three Englishmen and Colonel Acton range 
themselves about. One glance I shoot at Andrews 
and the Jew — both of them look as though wishing 
the earth would open under their feet and ingulf 
them. 

I realize that nothing need be feared from either 
of these parties — Evangeline is the one I have to 
deal with, and whose spirit must be subdued if we 
wish for victory. She looks as if she might give us 
trouble yet. 

I have my witnesses present, and it is my busi- 
ness to push the accusation home with the least 
possible delay. 

If this girl will not be amenable to reason we must 
find some other way of reaching her, for Robert 
shall be saved from her clutches — I am resolved on 


188 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

that. I know she cares little for the man himself, 
but the obstacles met in the way have aroused all 
that is stubborn in her nature, and she will fight 
for him. 

‘‘Now, my girl, when you look upon this gentle- 
man, Lord Trevellion, you understand that we know 
and Kobert knows you are not his wife — that the 
ceremony was a farce, gone through with for a pur- 
pose. 

“You succeeded in part — Eobert made his will in 
your favor, and bought the deadly drug that was to 
take his life. 

“ I saw you give him that vial on the train, and 
convinced him of the deadly character of the liquid 
it contained by killing a Maltese cat with it. He 
emptied the vial in the basin of the lavatory, and 
his love for you was turned into detestation and 
horror. 

“ When he was found that way, in the morning, 
all of you thought he had taken the poison, and 
rejoiced accordingly. 

“Even I was puzzled until his sister Therese, who 
was aboard the car, in a nun’s attire, informed me 
that Robert was subject to these cataleptic states 
resembling death. 

“We concluded to deceive you, and make you 
believe he had died, so the article was written up 
for the papers. 

“You remember my visit when I saw you before. 
Sergeant Billings and I had the little matter ar- 
ranged in order to get the papers for his lordship. 
That was successful. Then there remained but one 
thing more, and this was to effect your departure 
from Chicago. 

“ I came here to see your father, and advanced 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


189 


reasons why you should go. They were powerful 
enough to influence him, and he has given his 
consent.” 

Unconquered, still, she faces me with a sneer 
upon her pretty face. 

“Yes, you could frighten him, but let me tell you, 
sir, I am m>t one bit alarmed. I intend to stay here 
and defy you. Robert will stand by me — Robert 
loves me, do you hear.” 

“ My dear young woman, you shall hear what I 
have to say. I will tell you just what I did your 
father. Then you can take your choice — one or the 
other. 

“ On one hand I offer you three tickets to San 
Francisco, where you will be safe. 

“ If you refuse this the whole three of you will be 
arrested before morning and placed behind the 
bars, on the charge of attempted murder. 

“You smile incredulously, but remember what I 
can prove — the prescription calling for this poison, 
written in Samuels’ hand, his filling the little vial 
in the lavatory of the sleeper, when he thought no 
one was looking, and tossing the original bottle out 
at a point where I can find it when necessary, and 
your handing him that sleeping potion. 

“ Then remember, also, that here is a gentleman 
you victimized in the same way over across the 
water, even attempting his life — his evidence would 
convict you before any jury. 

“ Keeping these things in your mind, do you still 
refuse to give Robert up and go with your father to 
new fields, where other conquests await you? On 
one hand, is liberty— on the other, years spent in 
prison. Now choose.” 

She does not flinch, 


190 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 


‘‘You maybe able to prove all these things and 
you may not. Perhaps a jury would prefer to be- 
lieve me in preference — they have a weakness for 
women, you know. Then again, you would not dare 
drag the name of Hammond, and that of Trevellion, 
through a criminal court. I defy you to do your 
worst.” 

“You will not go?” 

“No. I believe Robert will protect me,” flashing 
a glance at him which fortunately he sees not. 
Poor Robert stands there, as though he hardly dares 
to call his soul his own. In later years he will be 
extremely mortifled to remember the position in 
which fortune has placed him. 

“Well, I have something more to tell you, and 
perhaps that will influence you.” 

I deliberately take out the document signed by 
Andrews and the Jew. There is no longer any 
danger for me, since I have friends at hand, so I 
replace my weapon. 

“Listen while I read this.” 

Slowly I start in, placing emphasis upon the words 
I wish to bring out. In this I have a double motive 
— Robert hears as well as the bold adventuress, and 
I desire to prime him for the trial near at hand, 
when he must decide his own fate. 

As I read, I glance up occasionally, to note the 
effect on Evangeline. 

She seems about to give way. Deprived of her 
father’s support she flnds it harder to stand alone, 
and unless Robert fails me, I know I have the case 
won. 

At length I conclude with the remarkable contri- 
bution of Doctor Samuels, in which he actually in- 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MVSTEBY. 


191 


criminates himself and all of them, making what 
might be called a confession. 

‘‘Now, you have heard how the case stands. 
There is nothing left for you to stand on. I insist 
that your father carry out his agreement, and that 
all of you leave Chicago before noon to-morrow, for 
I solemnly swear that if you are found here after 
that hour, I will be armed with authority to arrest.” 

She bows her head. 

Have I broken her proud spirit? Something like 
a feeling of compunction passes through my heart — 
she is a woman, and I can never take the satisfac- 
tion in humbling one of her sex that comes to me 
when I have brought a strong man down on his 
knees. 

But I have made a mistake— Evangeline has one 
more card to play. 

It is the acme of desperation, and I am amazed at 
her daring. 

“Yes,” she says, slowly, “you have won.” 

“You will leave Chicago?” 

She nods her head. 

“ I will accompany my father. His weakness has 
cost us the game.” 

“Sensible girl.” 

“We will obey your orders, sir, since you can be 
so cruel, but” — raising her head and giving me an 
electric look — “I shall not go alone!” 

“ Of course you mean your father ” 

“I mean Kobert will go with me !” 

Her defiant declaration almost takes my breath 
away, but I dare not show it. I know she means to 
appeal to him — what if he weakly gives in ? Some 
desperate measure must then be adopted. I notice 
with pleasure, that Therese has hold of his hand— a 


192 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

sister’s love against the fascination of this charmer! 

“You surely are not simple enough to believe 
Robert would accompany you after learning of all 
your baseness — that you are really the wife of 
another until the courts annul the marriage, and 
that you have pretended to love him in order to get 
his money?” I cry out, in something of a fury. 

“ He does not believe you — he knows I love him — 
we can be married as soon as Lord Arthur secures 
his divorce,” she pants. 

I see her dart at Robert’s other hand. 

“Say you will go with me, Robert, darling!” she 
cries in a beseeching tone, and he gives her a be- 
wildered look. 

“Robert, brother, remember our mother and the 
honor of our name,” pleads Therese, and he turns 
to look into her calm eyes, now full of unshed 
tears. 

Between the two, what will he do? 

I hold my breath. 

Silence reigns in the room— a pin dropping could 
be heard to fall. 

Then I hear a low gasp of bitter disappointment 
as Robert flings the hand of the siren from him, 
and turning, wraps his sister in his embrace. The 
tempter has been beaten, thank Heaven, and the 
young man’s future is safe. 

Evangeline covers her face with her hands, and 
sinking into a chair, weeps bitterly. Knowing the 
tremendous power of a pretty woman’s tears, and 
fearing lest Robert yet repent of his manly decision, 
I make a signal to Acton, who manages to get 
brother and sister out of the room. 

He soon returns. 

We have further talk with those against whom 


THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. lf^3 

the edict of banishment has gone fortth. Evan- 
geline loses her temper — she raves and abuses us 
like any old fish woman in Billingsgate market. 

When we have finished our business we leave 
them. It is decided, however, that a watch shall 
be kept on the girl — I fear lest she seek to meet 
Robert again. 

It seems, however, that when he threw her hand 
aside disdainfully, she took it for a final decision — 
at any rate there is no attempt made to communi- 
cate with her late victim. 

Armed with the proper funds, I purchase tickets 
and secure berths in a sleeper, as soon as the rail- 
road offices on Clark street are open. 

These I hand to Andrews personally, and have a 
few last words with him. He informs me that his 
daughter has recovered in a measure from her keen 
disappointment, and even looks forward with some- 
thing of pleasure to seeing new sights on the Pacific 
slope. At the same time he begs me not to face 
her, for she hates me as the author of her woes, 
and the sight of my countenance might throw her 
back into that fit of mad fury. 

I have no desire to talk with her again, but un- 
known to them, I see them safely away, and wire a 
friend in ’Frisco to tell me whether the trio arrive 
there or not, and if so to keep me posted as to their 
movements. 

The last I have heard from them, they were 
about starting for Australia, Evangeline having 
charmed a wealthy stock-raiser into marrying her. 
Perhaps she will mend her ways, but I am very 
doubtful about it. 

Robert has spent a pleasant period with his Eng- 
lish friends, and later on they visit him in New 


104 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 

York. I am invited to the private wedding of Lord 
Arthur and Therese Hammond, and I go because I 
believe in her as a noble woman. She will make 
him a good wife. Had I been younger, I would 
have entered the lists again ; but my life work is 
mapped out, and I shall keep in the harness, thank- 
ful that now and then I have an opportunity to do 
good — to bind up the wounds of the wretched as 
well as bring rascals to justice. 

[THE END.] 


A narrative of the thrilling exploits of RUBE BUR- 
ROWS, by Marlike Manly, will be published in the 
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KSIITH OF LYOiS 


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THE WEAVEK’S WAK. 


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•>«. »»#* , , *l_»OSlE «TRKBT. 1<l.w Tm^ 


BEN HAMED; 


OR, 


THE CHILDEEN OF FATE. 


By SYLVANUS COBB, Jr. 


Street& Smith’s Sea and Shore Series, No.8. 

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dren of Fate,” by Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., which is No. 8 of the Sea and Shore 
Series. This book is an Oriental romance, which recalls the “Arabian 
Nights,” without their supernatural effects. The plot is ingenious and well 
sustained, and brings out a romance of pure love in a charming manner.— 
San Francisco Morning Call, July 21. 

“Ben Hamed” is an Oriental romance by Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., published in 

E aper by Street & Smith, New York city. It is clever in the way that all of 
obb’s stories are cloy ov.— Indianapolis News, July 20. 

“Ben Hamed is a capital story, proi^essive in action, interesting from 
the opening line, and with a charming love romance, on which are strung 
many remarkable incidents . — Acton Star, July 21. 

A capital story of Eastern life, which must have been suggested by a 
perusal of the “Arabian Nights,” is Sylvanus Cobb’s Oriental nawative of 
^en Hamed; or. The Children of Fate.” It is admirably told, fuHof in- 
terest, and cannot fail to charm all who begin its perusaL - ifoKfowa 
Sun, Sept. 22. 

Street & Smith, of the New York Weeklv, have publi^aed “Ben 
Hamed ; or. The Children of Fate,” by Sylvanus Cobb, Jr. This is an 
Oriental romance, accentuated by a very strong and ingenious plot.— 
Paul Pioneer Press, July 21. 

Street & Smith, New York, publish in paper covers “Ben Hamed,” an 
Oriental romance, by Sylvanus Cobb, which recalls the delightful stories of 
the “Arabian Nights,’*, without their supernatural effects.” — Cincinnati 
Enquirer. 

“Bep. Hamed,” an Oriental romance, by Sylvanus Cobb, Is published by 
Street &*Smith, New York. It is one of Cobb’s characteristic romances, 
Haroun A1 Raschid being a prominent figure. There is nothing strained ot 
nnnatur**! in “Ben Hamed,” it recalfing the stones of the “Arabian Nights,” 
^theut their supernatural effects.— IJn/fune, July 21 


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